hoofdcode

Hoofdcode is a Dutch term used in information management and programming contexts to refer to the primary or central code that uniquely identifies an element within a hierarchical coding system. The word combines hoofd (head or main) with code, signaling its role as the leading identifier, while additional subcodes or extension codes refine the granularity. In practice, the hoofdcode functions as a stable key for lookups, reporting, and categorization, with subcodes used to represent subcategories or variations.

In data modelling and ERP systems, the hoofdcode is often implemented as the primary key or as a business key that remains stable across changes in subcategories. For example, in a product catalog a product line may have hoofdcode 5700, with subcodes 5700-01, 5700-02 for individual products. In taxonomies or classifications, the hoofdcode identifies the major class, and subcodes indicate specific items within that class. In software documentation or module naming, terms may use a hoofdcode as the core identifier for a component, separate from version or patch identifiers.

The term is not standardized across languages or industries; its exact meaning depends on local data models or organizational conventions. Related concepts include subcode, hoofdnummer (main number), and sleutelcode (key code). In practice, understanding a system’s specific definition of hoofdcode requires consulting the relevant documentation or schema.