objectanchored

Objectanchored is a software design concept describing a relationship in which a logical component, such as a user interface element, data widget, or scene object, is bound to and described by a specific runtime object. The anchor provides identity and lifecycle semantics that govern how the component behaves, updates, and is disposed. The term emphasizes that the object serves as the authoritative source for the connected component’s state and behavior.

In an objectanchored architecture, the anchor object acts as the single source of truth for connected components. The connection is usually realized through observers, callbacks, or data binding, allowing the anchored component to reflect changes in the object and to modify the object in a controlled way. Implementations aim for loose coupling between the anchor and the consumer by interacting through defined interfaces or protocols.

Common domains for objectanchored patterns include user interfaces, augmented reality, game development, and data visualization. For example, a UI widget may be object-anchored to a domain object representing a user profile, so updates to the profile automatically propagate to the widget, while user input can be applied back to the object.

Advantages of objectanchored approaches include consistent state synchronization, easier reuse of components, and clearer lifecycle management. Potential drawbacks are increased coupling to the anchor’s lifecycle, added architectural complexity, and possible performance or memory-management concerns if observers or bindings are not carefully managed.

See also: data binding, observer pattern, model–view–viewmodel, AR anchoring.