Attribute domain is the range of valid values for an attribute in a program’s code. Programmers use variables to assign specific types and constraints to the domain, preventing incorrect values from crashing the system. Error detection code ensures input values are within the allowed range.
An attribute domain is a computer programming concept that refers to the valid range of values allowed for a specific attribute in a program’s code. Entering an incorrect value, a value outside the allowed range, often crashes the program. The ideal method of ensuring that entered values are within the valid range is to provide the end user with a display message indicating the range of acceptable values, reducing the risk of them inadvertently entering an excessive value.
Variables are the crux of a program’s code. When variables are assigned, they are assigned a specific type. An integer is a type of variable used when only integers are allowed; a string, on the other hand, takes any combination of letters, numbers, or characters. The choice of the type of variable places the initial constraints on the domain of an element’s attribute. For example, the end user cannot correctly insert “abcde” into an integer value. This preliminary restriction on the domain of attributes is hardwired into the programming language, so it can’t be changed, even by the individual coding the software.
In addition to the type of variable chosen, a programmer can place additional constraints on the domain of the attribute for a specific element. For example, if you are programming software for a hotel chain, the programmer could naturally limit the range of values for a “Hotel Room Number” attribute to the number of hotel rooms in the building. If the stanza numbers range from 100 to 1,000, it only makes sense to limit the attribute range of the variable accordingly. This ensures that the program does not generate false results based on incorrectly entered data.
Once a programmer selects an attribute domain, he must program error detection code to prevent users of the software from inadvertently or intentionally attempting to crash the system by entering an out-of-range value. This is a simple routine that checks input values against certain attribute ranges. If an attribute is within range, the program proceeds normally. If not, the program returns a simple “Wrong Entry” message and tries again, not allowing the variable to be filled until it is certain that the input value is within the specific allowed range.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
