Parametersthose

Parametersthose is a term used in software design to describe a grouping convention for function or method parameters. The idea is to separate the essential inputs from a separate, collectively named parameter that stores contextual or optional settings. In practice, a function signature may present a small set of core parameters, followed by a single parameter (often named those or implemented as a parameter object) that carries a map, dictionary, or record of non-critical options, flags, and modifiers. The term parametersthose is used in discussions about API ergonomics and backward compatibility and emphasizes that some parameters are chosen for flexibility rather than necessity.

Implementation typically relies on a dedicated container for the optional settings. For example, a call such as renderReport(data, user, those) passes core data and user, while those encapsulates format, locale, theme, and other toggles. This approach can simplify the central API and supports evolving defaults without breaking existing callers. It is common in languages that support dictionary or object-typed arguments, but it can be used in statically typed contexts with a well-defined interface or a typed option struct.

Considerations include potential indirection, the risk of permitting too many options within the 'those' group, and the need for clear documentation and naming conventions. When used judiciously, parametersthose can improve readability and maintainability, especially for libraries with broad or evolving configuration needs.

See also: parameter object, options pattern, named parameters, API design.