====== Structure ======

[[dido:99_annexes:annex-b-terms-and-definitions:start|Return to Terms and Definitions]]

===== Discussion =====

Structure defines the form, organization, permitted fields, relationships, and constraints governing classes of data. Structure allows systems to determine whether a Data Structure Instance conforms to a Data Structure Definition.

Structure remains distinct from data values. It also remains distinct from semantics. A structure may identify a field named currency, but the field's meaning, authority, permitted value set, and interpretation require additional semantic and governance context.

===== Definition =====

//formal organization and constraint model governing a class of data//

===== Source =====

Informed by SIP-RA separation of data and structure; adapted from FX Demo Reference Architecture material on Data Structure Definition, Common Data Type, Topic Framework, and Data Structure Framework.

===== Note =====

Structure does not by itself define all semantic meaning or interpretation logic.

===== Example =====

A Data Structure Definition for a cash-flow obligation may identify required fields such as transaction identifier, payment date, currency, amount, payer, receiver, and provenance reference.
----

<WRAP centeralign>
© 2026 Dido Solutions, Inc. and Jackrabbit Consulting, Inc.
</WRAP>