Fieldnames

FieldNames is a generic term used to describe the identifiers assigned to the individual attributes of a data structure, record, or schema. They denote the names of the elements that make up a collection, table, object, or form, and they define how data is labeled and accessed.

In programming, fieldNames refer to the names of members in a composite type such as a struct, class, or object. They are used when accessing, iterating, serializing, or mapping data, and are often retrieved through reflection or introspection in order to understand or manipulate a data structure dynamically.

In databases and data modeling, fieldNames correspond to column names in a table or fields in a schema. They define the structure of stored data and are used in queries, validation, and data transformation. The order of fieldNames may be defined by the schema but is not guaranteed in all operations, so relying on explicit mappings is common.

In data formats and interchange, fieldNames appear as keys in JSON or YAML, or as the header line in CSV files. They identify the data associated with each value and guide parsing, validation, and interpretation.

Across forms and APIs, fieldNames are used for input binding, validation, and documentation. Consistent fieldNames improve interoperability and user experience, while changes to fieldNames can require migration or versioning of schemas.

Best practices for fieldNames include clear, consistent naming conventions, avoiding reserved words, and considering case sensitivity and localization. They serve as a stable contract that describes the shape of data across systems. Example fieldNames in a user record might include id, username, email, and createdAt.