How to Produce Adequate Definitions: Clear and complete attribute definitions improve data deliverables

Use a definition template. Definitions are easier to write and often more complete when the writer follows an established structure or builds upon classword or domain definitions. DBA Adviser Jane Caddel begins with a generalization of the term, followed by a preposition such as of, by or which, and ends with a qualification that further explains its relationship to other objects, including what distinguishes the term being defined from similar terms. For example, the definition for the term "registration" could begin with, "An application by a student to attend a seminar." Data Modeling Consultant Norman Daoust and Data Modeler Rich Kier both emphasize that the definition template requires a place for examples. Rich says, "You should always ask for three examples of something when you try and define it. Often, people will agree on the definition but then argue passionately about whether or not an example actually is one of the things they've just defined." Lee LeClair, senior system engineer, builds a template for each classword - the classword being the last term in a data element name such as Code, Date and ID. "For each classword in our approved classword list, I have a template to get the definition started." Design Challenger Peter Heller follows a similar technique using domains instead of classwords. "Define a domain that encapsulates the meaning of the application attributes that will be derived from it."