connectionselements

Connectionselements is a term used in technical documentation to denote the minimal set of attributes and structural components that define a connection between two entities in a system. The term combines connection and elements to emphasize that a connection is composed of distinct, identifiable parts rather than a single attribute. While not a widely standardized term, connectionselements appears in API design guides, data modeling schemas, and network topology descriptions as a convenient label for the building blocks that constitute a link.

Composition. Typical components include the two endpoints, the transport protocol, an authentication mechanism, lifecycle state (open, closed, or persistent), a connection identifier, QoS parameters, and metadata describing purpose or constraints. In graph representations, connectionselements are edges with properties such as direction, weight, and status. In API contexts, they may also cover endpoints, methods, and negotiated options.

Contexts and usage. The concept is used in software architecture, API design, network engineering, and data modeling to describe how a link is formed and governed. It provides a common vocabulary for documenting requirements, monitoring, and managing connections, especially when multiple layers or protocols interact.

Examples. In a RESTful API, a connectionselement might specify source and target resources, protocol (HTTPS), authentication (OAuth), and timeout and retry policies. In a graph database, an edge with a type and properties can be treated as a connectionselement.

Standardization and related terms. The term remains informal and context-dependent, with close equivalents including edge, relationship, link, or channel in various domains. See also: connection, element, edge, node, protocol, authentication.