Dictionary Open Service Interface Definition
Encyclopedia
The Dictionary Open Service Interface Definition (OSID) is an O.K.I. specification which supports creating and populating dictionaries of tag-value pairs. OSIDs are programmatic interfaces which comprise a Service Oriented Architecture for designing and building reusable and interoperable software.
Each Dictionary has a name, description and domain for which the Dictionary is intended. This service can be used for localization, mapping a set of values across application contexts, or performing any translation
that fits into a tag-value paradigm.
A Dictionary is a relatively simple mechanism. In place of defining a specific value to be used in all contexts, a value is associated with a tag. References are always made to the tag, rather than the value associated with it, so that the value can change while the means for referencing the tag do not. A common form of dictionary is a properties or configuration
file. Of course, the language dictionary is a well known model for mapping the values in one context, a language, to another.
Mappings do not always need to be one-to-one. One might have a tag for the kinds of services one offers. This list would vary by context and service provider. In a restaurant, what is served varies across establishments but the tag menu is always the same. In a learning system, the kind of courses offered might be such a list.
In Java, one might simply use the java.util.Map utility underneath the Dictionary interface. The existence of the interface acts as a placeholder for the potential of introducing more complex operations in the future.
Each Dictionary has a name, description and domain for which the Dictionary is intended. This service can be used for localization, mapping a set of values across application contexts, or performing any translation
Translation
Translation is the communication of the meaning of a source-language text by means of an equivalent target-language text. Whereas interpreting undoubtedly antedates writing, translation began only after the appearance of written literature; there exist partial translations of the Sumerian Epic of...
that fits into a tag-value paradigm.
A Dictionary is a relatively simple mechanism. In place of defining a specific value to be used in all contexts, a value is associated with a tag. References are always made to the tag, rather than the value associated with it, so that the value can change while the means for referencing the tag do not. A common form of dictionary is a properties or configuration
Computer configuration
In communications or computer systems, a configuration is an arrangement of functional units according to their nature, number, and chief characteristics. Often, configuration pertains to the choice of hardware, software, firmware, and documentation...
file. Of course, the language dictionary is a well known model for mapping the values in one context, a language, to another.
Mappings do not always need to be one-to-one. One might have a tag for the kinds of services one offers. This list would vary by context and service provider. In a restaurant, what is served varies across establishments but the tag menu is always the same. In a learning system, the kind of courses offered might be such a list.
In Java, one might simply use the java.util.Map utility underneath the Dictionary interface. The existence of the interface acts as a placeholder for the potential of introducing more complex operations in the future.