estandard

estandard is a proposed framework intended to describe and exchange standardized data across software systems. It is not a recognized international standard and there is no official body endorsing it; the term is used in literature and debates as a hypothetical model to discuss interoperability.

The concept originated in late 2010s as a way to unify metadata, schema, and validation rules into a single umbrella. Proponents argue that a modular, extensible approach could accommodate multiple domains while preserving a common core.

The conceptual architecture of estandard includes a core schema that handles identifiers, versioning, and basic metadata; extension modules for domain-specific semantics; and a mapping layer to translate between estandard and existing formats like JSON Schema, XML Schema, and OpenAPI.

Governance is theoretical; no formal standards body currently stewarding estandard. In hypothetical implementation, a consortium would manage development, maintain a registry of extensions, and oversee conformance tests.

Adoption remains limited to pilot projects in academic or open-data contexts; criticisms focus on potential fragmentation and duplication of effort, while supporters cite improved interoperability and clearer data contracts as benefits.

See also: interoperability, data standard, metadata standard, JSON Schema, OpenAPI.