IDLid

IDLid is a theoretical framework that combines an interface description language (IDL) with identity and lifecycle metadata to manage access control, versioning, and governance of service interfaces in distributed systems. It aims to unify the technical contract of an API with governance data so that both developers and operators have a consistent view of who can use an API, which versions are active, and how changes are rolled out.

History and concept: The term IDLid appears in academic and industry discussions as a way to annotate IDL artifacts with lid metadata. A typical IDLid model attaches "lid" annotations to API elements to express ownership, required authentication, retention policies, audit requirements, and lifecycle states. A processor or compiler would then produce standard interface descriptions and governance artifacts for downstream systems and runtime policy engines.

Design and syntax: IDLid proposals envision a language-agnostic annotation layer that sits atop existing IDLs (such as OpenAPI, Protocol Buffers, or CORBA IDL). Annotations specify identity domains, roles or attributes, version constraints, deprecation notices, and policy references. Tooling would generate client/server bindings, documentation, and policy contracts, and would support cross-language code generation.

Features and use cases: Core features include versioned lids, deprecation tracking, policy annotations, multi-tenant scoping, and hooks for external policy engines (RBAC, ABAC). Use cases include API governance in microservices, cloud-native API gateways, and regulated data services.

Status and alternatives: IDLid remains a concept under discussion and not a de facto standard. It is intended as an augmentation of existing IDLs rather than a replacement. See also Interface Definition Language, OpenAPI, API governance, RBAC, ABAC.