SBVR — bindable target should be 'constant' not 'text'

Doc: dtc/06-03-02
Date: March 2006
Version: Interim Convenience Document
Chapter: 9.1.1
Pages:
Nature: Editorial
Severity: minor

Description:

In clause 9.1.1, a 'bindable target', the thing to which a variable can be bound, is said to be either a variable (i.e. to its current referent) or to 'text'. 'text' is defined in 8.1.1 to have its conventional dictionary interpretation, which is inappropriate here. For a bindable target, the alternative to a variable is a 'constant' – a reference to a specific fixed individual concept (a 'name'). 'text' may be the physical expression of the reference.

And the first Example under the glossary item 'variable' appears to be a constant that has been transmogrified into some unnecessary doubletalk.

Recommendation:

1. In clause 9.1.1, after 'variable', add a glossary item for 'constant':

'constant'
Definition: a reference to a specific fixed individual concept (a 'name').

Necessity: the referent of a constant is exactly 1 individual concept.

Note: By definition, every constant is unitary.

Example:
Given the individual concept ‘London-Heathrow Branch’ defined as “the EU-Rent branch
located at London-Heathrow Airport”, the constant expressed as the name 'London-Heathrow Branch' refers to that EU-Rent branch in all occurrences.

2. In the definition of 'bindable target', replace all occurrences of 'text' with 'constant'.

A bindable target can be a variable, an expression (including a text) or an individual concept. The meaning of an individual constant is an individual concept. The resolutions to issues 9586 and 10570 clarify the distinction between binding to an expression and to an individual concept. The meaning of binding to an individual concept is explained - the binding references the one instance of the individual concept. In addition to the changes made in the resolutions to issues 9586 and 10570, an additional clarification is made in a note.