ILODefinition

ILODefinition is a formal specification used in information modeling to define the properties and semantics of a data item within an interoperable framework. In practice, it is employed wherever precise, machine-readable definitions are required for data exchange, ontology development, and API contracts.

An ILODefinition typically comprises three core components: a term identifier, a semantic sense, and a set of constraints and relationships. The identifier is a globally unique name or IRI that locates the term within a vocabulary. The sense provides the term’s intended meaning, often sourced from a controlled vocabulary or ontology. Constraints specify data type, cardinality, language tags, and contextual conditions; relationships connect the term to related concepts such as broader terms, synonyms, or usage policies.

Representations are commonly serialized in RDF, JSON-LD, or YAML, enabling integration with Linked Data ecosystems and semantic tooling. This machine-readable encoding supports automated reasoning, validation, versioning, and documentation generation.

Applications include formalizing terms in ontologies, data dictionaries, API schemas, and governance policies. By standardizing definitions across systems, ILODefinitions support data quality, interoperability, multilingual support, and robust change management.

Governance around ILODefinitions often relies on registries or repositories, with clear versioning, provenance, and compatibility rules. When updated, definitions may propagate to dependent systems through documentation, migration scripts, or automated validators. Example entries typically include an identifier, sense, constraints, and relationships.