databastype

Databastype is a conceptual description used to specify the type and related characteristics of a value in a database, data store, or data processing workflow. It is intended to be a precise, machine-readable descriptor that combines not only a primitive data type but also rules about storage, constraints, and behavior during operations such as casting and comparison. The term is not a universal standard but a useful model in documentation and schema design to express how data should be stored and manipulated.

A databastype typically comprises several components. The base type identifies the primitive kind of value, such as integer, float, string, boolean, or date/time. Size and precision details may follow, including bit width for numeric types or maximum length for strings. Constraints cover nullability, value ranges, pattern checks, and uniqueness. Encoding and storage information describe how the value is physically represented, including character encoding, fixed versus variable length, compression, and endianness. Metadata may include descriptions, units of measure, and collations or comparison rules.

Semantics associated with a databastype govern how values are processed. Casting and type promotion rules determine what conversions are allowed or automatic. Null handling defines how operations treat missing values. Comparison semantics, including ordering and equality, are defined to ensure predictable results across systems that share the same databastype.

In practice, databastype aligns with concepts in SQL data types, programming language types, and data schemas like JSON Schema, Avro, or Parquet. It provides a unified way to document and validate the intended storage representation and behavioral rules for data fields.

Example datatypes: a 32-bit integer, nullable=false, range [0, 2147483647]; a string with max_length 255, nullable=true, encoding UTF-8, pattern allowing alphanumeric characters.