commondescriptor

Commondescriptor is a term used in information modeling to denote a descriptor that captures attributes common to a family of resources. Conceptually, it serves as a base or shared schema from which more specialized descriptors derive, promoting consistency across related object types and simplifying validation and querying.

In a typical implementation, a commondescriptor includes a core set of fields that describe any item in the family, such as an identifier, label or name, description, type, and provenance or source information. These core attributes are designed to be language- and platform-agnostic, enabling reuse across different domains. The descriptor may also specify standard semantics, data types, and constraints that apply to all derived descriptors.

Applications of commondescriptor appear in metadata registries, catalog systems, and API schemas where many resource types share a common metadata surface. By centralizing shared attributes, developers can reduce redundancy, improve interoperability, and streamline validation processes. Domain-specific descriptors can then extend or specialize the commondescriptor with additional fields unique to that domain.

Example: a digital asset catalog defines a commondescriptor with id, title, description, createdDate, and rights. A specialized descriptor for Artwork extends this with fields such as artist, medium, and dimensions. This approach supports consistent searching, filtering, and display across both generic and domain-specific item types.

See also: descriptor, metadata schema, data modeling, inheritance in schemas.