odBase

odBase is the name used by several information resources and projects that provide digital platforms for storing, organizing, and sharing domain-specific data. The exact scope depends on the implementation, but most instances function as centralized repositories that support data curation, querying, and export. A typical odBase installation offers a web-based interface for entering records, a structured data model with entities and attributes, tools for linking related records, and references to external resources. Many examples include programmatic access through a RESTful API, bulk import and export in standard formats, and audit trails to track edits or version history.

Content in odBase covers metadata about datasets, experiments, specimens, observations, or literature, with controls for data provenance, licensing, and attribution. Community governance or institutional stewardship commonly governs data submission, review, and updates. Access models vary from fully open to restricted, with user roles defining read, write, and curator permissions.

The project originated in academia as a pragmatic solution to data sharing challenges in its field and has evolved through multiple releases and forks. odBase aims to improve discoverability, interoperability, and reproducibility by supporting standardized identifiers and cross-links to external resources.

Because odBase is used by different communities, researchers should consult the specific installation’s documentation for details about scope, data schemas, licensing, and contribution guidelines. See also: biological databases, data repositories, open data initiatives.