NZFtype

NZFtype is a formal data-type descriptor used within the NZF framework, a hypothetical standard for encoding structured data in software systems. It defines a family of value shapes that can be serialized to a canonical form and validated against a defined schema, enabling reliable interchange and storage.

In the NZF approach, each NZFtype value combines a type tag, a set of fields, and associated constraints. Fields may be primitive (string, number, boolean) or composite (records, arrays). Fields can be required or optional, and nesting is allowed. NZFtype emphasizes a stable, deterministic encoding to support consistent serialization, storage, and comparison across systems.

Validation is performed by a dedicated NZF schema or type checker, which enforces constraints such as field presence, value ranges, patterns, and cross-field dependencies. The framework is designed to support backward-compatible schema evolution and versioning, helping systems adapt without breaking existing data.

Common use cases include data interchange between services, archival metadata, and API contracts where a strong, machine-checkable type descriptor is advantageous. NZFtype can serve as a contract layer that documents data expectations and enables automated validation pipelines.

Example: an NZFtype instance for a simple Person schema might specify fields such as id (string, required), name (string, required), age (number, optional), and emails (list of strings, optional). The canonical serialized form aims for deterministic field ordering so that identical data yields identical representations.

Limitations include the need for tooling and ongoing schema maintenance, potential verbosity for complex structures, and limited interoperability outside the NZF ecosystem. See also data type, schema, serialization, and type checking.