domänformat

Domänformat is a term used to describe how values belonging to a particular domain are represented, stored and exchanged. It focuses on the concrete format used to serialize domain values, including the rules and metadata that govern their expression. The concept emphasizes the separation between what the domain means (its semantics) and how it is physically written or transmitted.

In data modeling, a domain is the set of valid values that a given attribute can take. The domänformat specifies how those values are expressed, such as data type, allowed patterns, value ranges, enumerations and locale-specific formatting. This format governs validation and serialization, while allowing the application logic to remain agnostic about presentation details.

Practically, domänformat is implemented through schemas and data types. Examples include SQL domains with constraints, JSON Schema definitions that specify type and pattern, XML Schema restrictions on simple types, and API contracts that declare acceptable value formats. It also covers how values are serialized for transmission, such as strings, numbers, and date/time formats, and how localization affects presentation without changing the underlying value.

Understanding domänformat supports data quality, validation, interoperability and system evolution. By clearly defining how a domain’s values are formatted, systems can reliably exchange data, enforce consistent constraints, and adapt to changes in requirements with minimal impact on application code.

See also: database domains, data type, schema, JSON Schema, XML Schema, domain-driven design.