codeliste

A codeliste is a structured collection of codes used to standardize data values across systems and applications. Each entry typically comprises a code, a human-readable label, and often a description; many lists also include synonyms, validity dates, and hierarchical relationships that express categories and subcategories. Codelists are central to data dictionaries, metadata standards, and data exchange, because they enable consistent encoding, validation, and interoperability between organizations.

Codelists can be flat or hierarchical and are commonly stored and exchanged as CSV, XML, JSON, or within database metadata. They are maintained by an authority or standards body, a vendor, or a project team, and they are versioned to track changes over time. Governance includes mapping between different lists, deprecation of codes, and rules for extension to accommodate new values.

Common applications include administrative statistics, healthcare, finance, and geography. Examples include ISO 3166 country codes, ISO 4217 currency codes, ICD-10 diagnostic codes, and SNOMED CT concepts. In software, codelists enforce allowed values for data fields, support data validation, reporting, and interoperability in multi-system integrations.

The term is used in French-language contexts; in other languages the equivalent terms include "liste de codes" or "code list." Codelists therefore function as a practical abstraction for standardized categorization and data quality.