OptionsBeans

OptionsBeans is a software concept and lightweight framework for encapsulating configuration options as bean-like data objects. Each OptionsBean represents a distinct feature or capability and carries metadata such as its name, data type, default value, and constraints. The approach aims to improve modularity, type safety, and reusability of configuration across components or services.

The term combines options, referring to configurable flags or settings, with beans, a nod to the JavaBean convention of simple, reusable data carriers. In typical implementations, an OptionsBean is a plain data carrier with associated metadata and, sometimes, minimal behavior for validation or transformation.

Architecture and core concepts often include an options registry and a resolution layer. The registry aggregates declared beans from an application or library. A resolver or policy applies the selected values to the runtime context, enforcing constraints and resolving conflicts between beans. Values can be sourced from configuration files, environment variables, or remote services, and may be composed to form a coherent feature set.

Usage generally involves defining a set of option beans for features or capabilities, populating them from a configuration source at startup or during runtime, and then using the resolved set to steer behavior, enable plugins, or toggle features. Benefits include stronger type safety, centralized configuration, and easier testing. Drawbacks can include added complexity and potential performance overhead in large systems. See also feature flags and JavaBeans.