[DDI-users] We need your input: Use of "default values" in DDI (cross-version)

[Wendy Thomas]

*Use of "default values" in DDI (cross-version)*

*GOAL:*
The goal is to have consistent rules for the use or non-use of assigning
default values (for example: default value for a decimal indicator in a
data set or record type with the ability to overide at a specific value).
These rules should be used to inform individual products in their use of
defaults. While exception to a general rule should not be precluded the
product should specify, justify, and document any exception.

*BACKGROUND:*
Early in DDI Lifecycle development there were a number of requests for
providing default values to save repetative entry by individuals creating
XML instances. At that time the majority were hand crafted but this no
longer seems to be the case. In addition, both Codebook and Lifecycle were
highly nested so that it was clear what set of items the default value
applied to. As we move to greater serialization and reuse of content, this
may no longer be the case. This is particulary true in cases where metadata
content is managed in a data base and the XML instance is generated from
the data base content. In addition, there were later complaints that use of
defaults (particularly inconsistent use of defaults) caused problems for
implementation.

*SPECIFIC ISSUES:*

   - What are the advantages/disadvantages for content entry and for
   implementers.
   - Raised in context of W3C and its use for, say, a comma delimited file
   (default values for delimiters, decimal separators, use of blank or "." for
   missing value, use of " for text, etc.).
   - Are there specific scenarios where use of defaults is appropriate? For
   example using a default at the RecordType level, file level, or item level.
   - How do common software packages consume default values? do they
   consume them at all?

-- 
Wendy L. Thomas                              Phone: +1 612.624.4389
Data Access Core Director                 Fax:   +1 612.626.8375
Minnesota Population Center             Email: wlt at umn.edu
University of Minnesota
50 Willey Hall
225 19th Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55455
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