Documentation

Original

Reference

cdi:VariableDescriptorComponent

Definition

Definition

Role given to a represented variable in the context of a data structure to provide codes for variable identification.

Examples

Consider {"income", "age"} to be the value domain of the represented variable working as a variable descriptor component. The two codes, i.e. those designating "income" and "age", are descriptors used to identify which values in the variable value component correspond to income and which ones to age.

Explanatory notes

Whenever more than one variable appears in the same column, we need a mechanism to distinguish which values correspond to which variable. This mechanism is provided by the variable descriptor component, which contains the codes used to link the variables to their values. This structure provides a flexible mechanism avoiding the need for a formal pointer.

CDIF

Definition

Role given to a represented variable in the context of a data structure to provide codes for variable identification.

Scope

Data-structure component naming which InstanceVariable a long-format row represents (the descriptor column). Specific to LongDataStructure (exactly one required) and the general DataStructure. Standalone: defined by a DescriptorVariable rather than a RepresentedVariable.