Data element

In metadata, the term data element is an atomic unit of data that has:# An identification such as a data element name# A clear data element definition# One or more representation terms# Optional enumerated values Code (metadata)# A list of synonyms to data elements in other metadata registries Synonym ring

Data elements usage can be discovered by inspection of software applications or application data files through a process of manual or automated Application Discovery and Understanding. Once data elements are discovered they can be registered in a metadata registry.

In telecommunication, the term data element has the following components:

#A named unit of data that, in some contexts, is considered indivisible and in other contexts may consist of data items. #A named identifier of each of the entities and their attributes that are represented in a database. #A basic unit of information built on standard structures having a unique meaning and distinct units or values. #In electronic record-keeping, a combination of characters or bytes referring to one separate item of information, such as name, address, or age.

Source: from Federal Standard 1037C and from the Department of Defense Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms

See also

* Application Discovery and Understanding
* Data element definition
* ISO/IEC 11179 metadata registry specification
* Metadata
* Representation term
* Universal Data Element Framework

External links

* Association for Enterprise Integration
* Federal XML Developer's Guide
* ISO/IEC 11179 Standards (see ISO/IEC 11179-3:2003 clause 3.3.36)