variantswith

Variantswith is a term used in data modeling and configuration management to denote a relationship that links a base item to its alternative forms, or variants. The concept is designed to represent the full set of permissible configurations without duplicating the base item.

Etymology: The word is a portmanteau of variant and with, describing the relation between the base item and its variants.

Definition: In a modeled dataset, an entity X may declare a variantswith relation to a set of variant descriptors V. Each variant describes a distinct, identifiable form of X that may affect attributes, behavior, or presentation.

Notation: In a DSL-like depiction, a base item is followed by a variantswith clause, for example:

Product: T-shirt

variantswith [ color:red, color:blue, size:S, size:M, size:L ]

Or in JSON-like syntax:

{ "id": "T-shirt", "variantswith": [ {"color":"red"}, {"color":"blue"}, {"size":"M"} ] }

Usage and domains: The construct is commonly used in product configuration, catalog systems, and data schemas where variants must be enumerated for validation, pricing, or localization. It supports variant generation, constraint checking, and user interface generation by listing all allowed forms.

Benefits and limitations: Variantswith reduces duplication by centralizing variant information and clarifies the complete configuration space. It can, however, increase modeling complexity and require careful rules when variants interact or conflict.

See also: Variant, Configuration management, Feature flag, Product catalog.