cuptype

Cuptype is a term used in various programming and data modeling contexts to denote a type that can represent multiple concrete forms, typically implemented with a discriminant or tag. It is not tied to a formal standard and its precise meaning can vary between languages, libraries, and projects.

In practice, a cuptype functions as a sum type or variant: a value is stored with a tag identifying which alternative is active and a payload containing the corresponding data. This design enables a single value to carry different kinds of information in a controlled, type-safe way. Common tags might include labels such as int, string, bool, or more domain-specific categories, with the associated value providing the actual data.

Examples of cuptype usage include API payloads that must convey several possible structures, data interchange formats that require variant records, or language bindings where a single type must accommodate multiple primitive or complex forms. In serialization and inter-language communication, cuptypes can simplify schema definitions by representing heterogeneous data under one umbrella type, while still preserving the ability to distinguish and validate each alternative.

Compared with related concepts, a cuptype emphasizes an explicit discriminator to distinguish variants, which helps with pattern matching and type checking. It is related to, but distinct from, untagged unions or loosely structured polymorphic fields. Implementations may differ in how strictly they enforce tags, how they store payloads, and how they perform validation at runtime.

Notes: the term cuptype is not standardized and its exact interpretation depends on the specific context or framework. See also discriminated unions, sum types, variant types, and tagged unions.