Objectin

Objectin is a term used in software development to denote an input-oriented object used to carry data (and sometimes behavior) into a component, service, or processing pipeline. The term lacks a single formal specification and may be encountered in discussions about object-oriented design, API design, or data ingestion patterns. An objectin typically encapsulates inbound data, validation logic, and defaulting rules, and it may provide lightweight methods to prepare the data for processing.

Common characteristics include field accessors for input data, validation hooks, immutability in many designs, and, in some cases, minimal business logic. In practice, an objectin serves as a structured carrier for inbound information, separating the concerns of data intake from core domain processing.

Usage patterns often involve mapping an external payload, such as a JSON object from an API request, to an objectin that validates and normalizes data before delegating to domain services. In hexagonal architecture, it can function as a payload for port inputs or as a command-like object that triggers specific application actions.

Relation to other concepts: objectin overlaps with data transfer objects (DTOs) and command objects; different teams may use distinct naming conventions to reduce ambiguity. Benefits include clearer separation of concerns between inbound data handling and domain logic, improved testability, and easier validation sequencing. Critics note a lack of standard definition, which can lead to inconsistent usage across projects.

See also: data transfer object, DTO; command object; hexagonal architecture; input validation.