Why use the term Parameters?
Every day, the action verbs implement, set up, configure, define, and parameterize are used to describe the process of entering business rules into the system. The business rules captured as data by this process are often called the implementation, setup, configuration, definitions, or parameters. How did we come to settle on using parameters to describe this data?
The following table includes dictionary definitions for these common terms and provides an analysis of the suitability of the term Parameter:
| Action | Descriptor | Semantics | Application |
| Implement – to give practical effect to and ensure actual fulfillment by concrete measures. | Implementation – the act of implementing, or putting into effect. | Implementation describes an act and not a result. | Plan Implementation page is used to put parameters into effect. |
| Set up – to put into readiness or adjust for an operation. | Setup – the manner in which the elements or components of a system are arranged, designed, or assembled. | Setup is how components are arranged. Setup is large in scope unless preceded by an adjective. | Setup may include infrastructure, customizations, data conversion, and parameters. |
| Configure – to set up operations in a particular way. | Configuration – the relative arrangement of parts or elements. | Configuration is the relationship between components. | Configuration is the aggregation of all parameters. |
| Define – to make distinct, clear, or detailed. | Definition – a statement expressing the essential nature of something. | Definition summarizes the essence of an object. | Definition is a class of parameters capturing the key distinguishing attributes of a business function. |
| Parameterize – to express in terms of parameters. | Parameter – a set of properties whose values determine the characteristics or behavior of something. | Parameters are properties that drive behavior. | Parameter is the best choice to describe the business rule data. |
| Object – a data structure that can contain a function, data, variables, and other data structures. | Objects capture data, methods, and relationships to other objects. | Parameters share some, but not all, features of Object-oriented programming. |
Is it a Component or Definition?
Component – a constituent, essential part.
Definition – a statement expressing the essential nature of something.
Application menus were updated to Components, but originally labeled Definitions.
PeopleTools has Component objects – originally Panel Groups. Also Component Interface objects. Adds confusion.
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