operationstyper

Operationstyper is a metadata framework used in software engineering and process orchestration to classify and describe the operations within a workflow or data pipeline. It provides a standardized vocabulary and schema to represent what an operation does, what it consumes, and what it produces, independent from specific implementation.

At its core, an operation type in operationstyper includes a name, a category, input and output definitions, preconditions, potential side effects, and reliability characteristics. Implementations may attach additional attributes such as idempotence, transactional guarantees, and required parameters. Operations can be composed into sequences, branches, or parallel structures using a consistent typing system.

Common categories include Transform, Route, Filter, Merge/Join, Aggregate, Control, IO, and Monitor. Transform modifies data; Route directs flow; Filter decides inclusion; Merge combines streams; Aggregate computes summaries; Control governs sequencing; IO interacts with external systems; Monitor observes state. Each category has typical input/output shapes and common constraints, but op types remain flexible to accommodate domain-specific needs.

Usage-wise, operationstyper supports tooling for editors, validators, and executors, enabling static analysis, validation, and optimization. It is discussed in academic and practitioner contexts as a way to improve interoperability between workflow engines and data pipelines. The term originated in late 2010s discussions and has since seen informal adoption in some projects, though no universal formal standard exists.

See also: workflow management, data lineage, operational taxonomy.