Modedetail

Modedetail is a term used in software engineering to describe granular information about the current operating mode of a system or component. It refers to metadata that conveys the mode’s name, status, permitted actions, and contextual description, enabling both software and users to understand and interact with mode-specific behavior.

In practice, modedetail is represented as structured data attached to the mode state, such as a small object or dictionary with fields like modeName, isActive, allowedOperations, and modeDescription. It can be surfaced through APIs, UI cues, logs, or tooltips to guide users and developers when modes change.

Applications include configurable applications, embedded systems, and UI frameworks where modes control features, workflows, or security restrictions. For example, a music player might expose modedetail for 'Playback' and 'Library' modes, clarifying which controls are available. A device in 'maintenance' mode may restrict user input and expose diagnostic actions via modedetail.

Limitations include potential ambiguity if mode names are inconsistent across components, and the need for standardized schemas to enable interoperability. When documented clearly, modedetail improves debuggability, testing, and user guidance, but it adds maintenance overhead.

See also:

- Mode

- State machine

- Metadata

- Mode switch

- User interface design