Resultlikeok42

Resultlikeok42 is a term used in software development and data validation to describe a class of outputs that resemble a finalized result object. In practice, a Resultlikeok42 output is a bounded, stable structure that communicates success or failure along with relevant data and metadata. It is not a formal standard but a loosely used label in discussions and examples.

The exact origin of the phrase is unclear; it appears in informal posts and code examples on forums and repositories during the 2020s. The name combines “result-like” with the strings “ok” and the number “42,” reflecting common status indicators and a nod to the cultural reference associated with answers and validity.

A typical Resultlikeok42 wrapper contains at minimum a status indicator (such as “ok” or “error”), a code, a human-readable message, and a payload that carries domain data. It emphasizes determinism and testability, with explicit versioning and metadata, and seeks to minimize side effects in the payload. The idea is to provide a predictable interface that makes automated checking straightforward and reduces ambiguity in downstream processing.

Usage of the concept occurs in API design, data processing pipelines, and testing, where standardizing how components return information helps simplify assertions and error handling. It can support both success paths and error details while maintaining a consistent shape for validation.

Criticism centers on the lack of formal standards, which can lead to inconsistent interpretations of codes and fields. As a loosely used concept, its practical utility depends on clear, locally agreed conventions within a project.

See also: result object, API response pattern, error handling.