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OSID Specifications
meta package
Version 3.0.0
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MetaOSID Language Primitives
Description

These are the allowable OSID Language Primitives that can be used in OSID method signatures. Parameters and returns in OSID methods may be specified in terms of other OSID interfaces or using one of these primitives. All OSID Language Primitives are immutable.

Primitivesboolean

A boolean is a truth value of true or false.

byte

A byte is a basic unit of storage supporting a minimum of an 8-bit value. A byte should be used to represent a unit of arbitrary data not defined in the OSIDs.

cardinal

A cardinal is a non-negative number supporting a 64-bit value (0..9,223,372,036,854,775,808) . Cardinal numbers should be used to represent numbers such as sizes and counters where negative numbers have no meaning.

decimal

A signed arbitrary precision decimal number.

integer

An integer is a number supporting a 64-bit value (-9,223,372,036,854,775,808.. 9,223,372,036,854,775,808) .

object

An object Is used for data plugs used to permit data extensions outside the scope of the OSIDs. A Type is used to identify the specification of the plug.

string

A string is a sequence of zero or more display characters. Each display character should support an international character set.

OSIDs should avoid using strings to transmit data on which an OSID Consumer operates in any way other than to display. OSID methods should utilize Types, Ids, and other primtiives where an OSID Consumer performs a check or comparison as strings may be modified or translated.

timestamp

A timestamp is a date and time with millisecond precision supporting the Quaternary period of the Cenozoic era (2,000,000B.C..2,000,000A.D) . When this period will end is a simple approximation and perhaps wishful thinking. Providers, however, may select to narrow the scope to the Holocene epoch of this era (10,000B.C) .

Providers should use timestamp when expressing an actual recorded date and time. In most cases, the granularity of a date is variable where an osid.calendaring.DateTime should be specified to not imply millisecond precision where it does not exist.