SECTION 2:
DATA ELEMENT NAMING METHODOLOGY
The naming standards used in this document adhere to the latest NIST direction.
The basic formula for logical data element names calls for:
o One Prime Word (PW) describing the object being characterized.
o One Class Word (CW) describing the use or purpose of the data element.
o One or more Modifiers (M) of the Prime Word or Class Word to make the data name
more meaningful.
o One or two Optional Class Word Qualifiers (Q) to further categorize the Class Word.
Adhering to the following format creates a unique and descriptive representation for each
data element in the DADS database:
DATA ELEMENT NAME = M : PW : M : CW : Q
Prime Words and Class Words will be defined and approved for entry into the CG
DADS. Their source will be centrally controlled to establish a restricted vocabulary for
consistent naming. They will be used in constructing new data element names and for
keyword searches of existing elements.
The Prime Word must be positioned as either the first or second word in the data
element name. The Prime Word must also be positioned in front of the Class Word within the
data element name.
Each of the basic components (Prime Words, Class Words, Modifiers and Qualifiers) are
defined and explained in the following sections. Tests and examples are provided.
2.1
Class Words
2.1.1 Definition: A Class Word is the most important noun in a data element name. Class
Words identify or describe
4
Previous Page
