What is a Data Type?

Definition

In the simplest terms, a Data Type is the constraint on a data element. It defines the type of data held within the data element. For example, the data element Date of birth is associated with the data type xs:date, which only allows for the input of data in the YYYY-MM-DD format.

The definitions, including rules and constraints for valid values for all Data Types are defined using the following metamodel:

1. Name: the name of the data type

2. Description: a description of the data type (if applicable/available)

3. Type

   1. Simple - e.g. varchar, string, integer

   2. Enumerated - a list of possible values

   3. Reference - reference to another data type/element

4. Relationships: to other data types or data element (if applicable)

Examples

 

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Example of a Simple Data Type

Open

Example of an Enumerated Data Type

 

 

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