====== Data Structure Definition ====== [[dido:99_annexes:annex-b-terms-and-definitions:start|Return to Terms and Definitions]] ===== Discussion ===== A Data Structure Definition describes the expected structure, meaning, and constraints of a class of information. It defines the reusable model that governs one or more Data Structure Instances. A Data Structure Definition may identify required fields, optional fields, field meanings, permitted data types, constraints, identifiers, timestamps, provenance references, lifecycle values, or other structural and semantic expectations. A Data Structure Definition exists at the conceptual level. Later parts may realize it as an IDL structure, a JSON Schema definition, an XML Schema definition, a UML class, a SysML block, a database schema, a message schema, an ontology class, or another formal structure. ===== Definition ===== //description of the structure, meaning, and constraints of a class of information// ===== Source ===== Adapted from FX Demo Reference Architecture, Section 2.1.3, Data Structure Definition; aligned with SIP-RA separation of data, structure, semantics, and interpretation. ===== Note ===== A Data Structure Definition is not a Data Structure Instance, Communication Endpoint, DDS Topic, database table, file, or message. ===== Example ===== A later FX profile may define a CashFlowObligation structure that identifies the fields, meanings, and constraints for cash-flow obligation records. ---- © 2026 Dido Solutions, Inc. and Jackrabbit Consulting, Inc.