modelcontaining

Modelcontaining is a modeling design concept describing a model object that contains one or more submodels, forming a hierarchical or composite structure. The term is used across fields such as software engineering, systems modeling, and data science, often to distinguish containment relationships from flat, non-hierarchical models. In object-oriented design, a containing model maintains references to its submodels and delegates operations to them or aggregates results. This approach supports modularity and reuse, enabling complex systems to be built from simpler components.

Examples include a simulation of a transportation network where a Network model contains Route and Vehicle submodels, or a data processing workflow where a ModelPipeline contains several Step models. Related concepts include composition, containment, and the composite design pattern, which share the idea of building complex structures from simpler parts.

Advantages of modelcontaining include improved modularity, reuse of submodels, and clearer organization of large systems. It also supports independent development and testing of submodels.

Potential drawbacks involve increased complexity from nesting, the need for careful lifecycle management of submodels, and possible performance overhead from wrapping or coordinating multiple components. Appropriate governance and documentation are important to prevent over-nesting and opaque dependencies.