datendl

Datendl is a term used in data processing to denote a terminator that marks the end of a data line or data block within certain file formats and streaming protocols. It functions as a delimiter that enables parsers to demarcate records when standard linebreaks are insufficient or when records may span multiple lines.

In practice, datendl may take various forms. Some implementations treat datendl as a dedicated string such as "<datendl>" or a specific byte sequence, while others rely on a conventional end-of-line marker augmented by an escaping mechanism. The choice of form affects compatibility with character encodings and with existing tooling. Datendl is often configurable in data ingestion pipelines to balance human readability with machine parseability. When used, parsers must distinguish datendl from data content and handle escaping of occurrences of the terminator within fields.

Implementation considerations include ensuring the marker cannot appear unescaped in payloads, providing escaping or quoting rules, and defining behavior for missing or corrupted terminators. In streaming contexts, datendl can enable parallel parsing and precise record framing, but it adds complexity compared with simple newline delimitation.

Applications are found in bespoke data interchange formats, log aggregation pipelines, and ETL systems that require explicit record boundaries or that permit embedded newlines in fields. A typical record ends with a datendl marker, for example: field1,field2,field3<datendl>.

Datendl is not a standardized concept in mainstream data formats; its use is context-specific and typically documented in the relevant data schema or protocol. See also: end-of-line, record delimiter, framing.