codebook ==>
data dictionary
<database> A data structure that stores meta-data, i.e. data about data.
The term "data dictionary" has several uses.
Most generally it is a set of data descriptions that can be shared by several
applications.
Usually it means a table in a database that stores the names, field types,
length, and other characteristics of the fields in the database tables.
An active data dictionary is automatically updated as changes occur in the
database. A passive data dictionary must be manually updated.
In a DBMS, this functionality is performed by the system catalog. The data
dictionary is a more general software utility used by designers, users, and
administrators for information resource management.
The data dictionary may maintain information on system hardware, software,
documentation, users, and other aspects.
Data dictionaries are also used to document the database design process itself
and can accumulate meta-data ready to feed into the system catalog.
[Does anybody call them "codebooks"?]
(2001-04-24)
Nearby terms:
Data Communications Equipment « data compression «
Data definition language « data dictionary »
data dictionary file » data driven » Data Driven
Machine
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