self-describing
True of itself
Self-describing refers to something that explains or demonstrates itself through its own properties.
A self-describing sentence like This sentence has five words is true by virtue of what it says.
In computing, self-describing data includes its own structure or format information, requiring no external documentation to interpret.
The term often appears in discussions of code, files, or systems designed to be immediately comprehensible.
Relating to precise meaning
- illustrativeServing to explain
- elucidativeTending to clarify
- clarifyingMaking something understandable
- expositoryServing to explain
instructive · interpretive · explicative · demonstrative · annotative · enlightening · revealing · didactic
Inherent characteristics or properties
- specificationsStated requirements and parameters
- documentationWritten proof or instructions
- propertiesQualities or owned assets
- parametersDefined boundaries or constraints
descriptors · schema · annotations · tags · labels · headers · identifiers · fields
Defined in terms of itself
- homologicalRelating to algebraic topology invariants
- aptNaturally suited or inclined
- exemplarTypical perfect instance
- reflexiveDirected back at subject
meta · performative · onomatopoeic · polysyllabic · unhyphenated · English · pronounceable · noun
definitional
Relating to precise meaning
- illustrativeServing to explain
- elucidativeTending to clarify
- clarifyingMaking something understandable
expository · instructive · interpretive · explicative · demonstrative · annotative · enlightening · revealing · didactic · hermeneutic
attributes
Inherent characteristics or properties
- specificationsStated requirements and parameters
- documentationWritten proof or instructions
- propertiesQualities or owned assets
parameters · descriptors · schema · annotations · tags · labels · headers · identifiers · fields · manifest
recursive
Defined in terms of itself
- homologicalRelating to algebraic topology invariants
- aptNaturally suited or inclined
- exemplarTypical perfect instance
reflexive · meta · performative · onomatopoeic · polysyllabic · unhyphenated · English · pronounceable · noun · word
self-describingopaque
Impassable to light
undocumented · cryptic · inscrutable · mysterious · uninterpretable
self, describe, describing, described, describes, describer, description, descriptions, descriptive