createdBy

Createdby is a label used in metadata to identify the person or process that created a resource. Variants such as created_by or CreatedBy appear in databases, content management systems, file formats, and APIs to record the origin of a record or object. The field serves attribution and provenance purposes and can support auditing, workflow routing, and accountability.

In practice, createdby typically stores a reference to the creator as a username, user ID, or system account. It often functions as a simple record of who or what created the item, and may be populated at creation time only or updated by automated processes that migrate or transform data. In many designs, createdby is represented as a foreign key pointing to a users or accounts table, enabling consistent identity management and access control.

Usage and considerations vary by system. In a database table, a created_by column captures who created each row; in a content management system or wiki, it marks the contributor responsible for the initial entry. Because the value can be altered or spoofed if not properly protected, many implementations pair createdby with immutable audit logs or strict write permissions. Data governance practices may govern how long createdby information is retained and how it should be handled during record changes or migrations.

See also: Creator, Author, Provenance, Audit trail, Metadata, Data governance.