propertiesfor

Propertiesfor is a term used in data modeling and software design to describe a mechanism for associating a resource with a predefined set of properties. It is typically realized as a function, operator, or DSL construct that binds an entity to its property definitions, enabling centralized validation, serialization, and behavior that depends on property metadata.

Conceptually, propertiesfor separates the definition of properties from the resources that use them. A PropertySet or PropertyDefinition describes fields, types, default values, constraints, and localization. The resource acts as a carrier for those properties, and propertiesfor resolves the appropriate set for a given resource, potentially supporting inheritance and overrides.

Syntax and usage can vary by language or DSL. In a typical DSL, one might declare a property set and then apply it to a resource:

PropertySet PersonProps = { name: String, email: String, age: Integer }

propertiesfor(User, PersonProps)

Alternative expressions may apply the property set directly to a resource, or pass the set through a method:

User.properties = propertiesfor(PersonProps)

The operation may be static (resolved at compile time) or dynamic (resolved at runtime), depending on the implementation.

Applications of propertiesfor include data validation, API schema generation, form generation, and metadata-driven serialization. By centralizing property definitions, it can improve consistency across resources that share common fields and simplify maintenance when property rules change.

Limitations include added complexity, potential performance overhead, and the need for careful resolution rules to avoid ambiguity in large schemas. See also RDF properties, schema.org, and metadata-driven development for related concepts.