metadataklasser

Metadataklasser are software design constructs used to describe metadata about other data objects. In object-oriented environments they are classes that encapsulate metadata properties and behavior, enabling consistent storage, validation, and retrieval of descriptive information. They separate the content data from its metadata and provide a reusable schema for describing resources such as documents, datasets, images, or digital objects.

A metadata class typically defines a set of fields or attributes (for example, title, creator, dateCreated, subject, language, rights for a document; identifier, description, keywords, format, size, provenance for a dataset) along with data types, constraints, and sometimes methods for normalization or validation. They may also express relationships to other entities, such as related resources, versions, or provenance records.

Use with standards and schemas: metadata classes are often aligned with established metadata standards (Dublin Core, schema.org, MODS, PREMIS, METS) to ensure interoperability. They can be implemented at different layers, including database schemas, ORM models, or RDF/OWL ontologies, depending on the system architecture.

Applications: digital libraries, content management systems, data catalogs, media asset management, and data governance programs frequently rely on metadata classes to organize, search, and manage information about resources.

Design considerations: extensibility, localization, versioning, governance, and performance. Common properties can be placed in base classes to support reuse, with domain-specific additions in specialized classes. Interoperability with external metadata standards and clear mapping rules are important for cross-system data exchange.