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Glossary

BNF (Backus–Naur form): A formal description of syntax used within a standard. The BNF description will show, for example, what characters can and cannot be used as a specific value. | SEE MORE

Certification: RESO will test programs and platforms for certification conformance to RESO standards.

Class: A subcategory of a Data Dictionary Wiki Resource. For example, the Property Resource may have RESI, COMI, LOTL, etc. as classes.

Client: A software application that runs on a computer and relies on a server to perform some operations. For example, Microsoft Outlook may be your email client, while Microsoft Exchange is the server that routes and stores your emails.

Compliance: Once a RESO-compliant client or server has been developed, a compliance test can be run to make sure that it follows RESO standards.

Data Dictionary: The RESO Data Dictionary serves as a national standard guideline for all information pertaining to MLSs, brokers and their technology partners. The Data Dictionary Workgroup’s purpose is to keep current and maintain the Data Dictionary such that it is always relevant for those parties in need of such a tool. | DATA DICTIONARY | DATA DICTIONARY WORKGROUP | DATA DICTIONARY WIKI

Data Elements: Pieces of information delivered from a server after a query that may include field values, images, URLs, etc.

Data Recipient: Person or entity that receives, pulls or accesses MLS content.

Database Name: The unique identifier that the MLS database uses to name a field. Some MLS databases use numeric database names.

Database Server: The backend MLS system server that houses property, agent and office information, as well as images, documents, etc. A database server is proprietary to the MLS vendor and works in conjunction with the MLS system software.

Deprecation: When an object or function is being phased out of its current use.

DTD (Document Type Definition): Files used to describe an XML document so that a computer program can automatically “learn” how the XML is structured and what data types are used.

FTP (File Transfer Protocol): FTP is a file transfer standard for moving static files from one computer to another.

Filtering: Applying rules to a User Agent, User Class, etc. that limits the data elements, amount of data and number of queries returned by a request for a specific User, User Class, User Agent, etc.

GUI (Graphical User Interface): Represents the front-facing and/or visual side of a web-based product.

HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol): HTTP is a communications protocol used to connect web servers on the Internet. Its primary function is to establish a connection with the server and send HTML pages to a user’s browser. It is also used to download data from the server either to the browser or to any requesting application that uses HTTP.

IDX (Internet Data eXchange): At its core, IDX is the concept of displaying property information from an MLS on an Internet website, although over the years, IDX has taken on different meanings. An “IDX feed” or “IDX file” is typically a file that is exported on a timed basis and resides on a server controlled by the MLS. “IDX vendor” is a term used to describe a third-party company that provides a product or service that makes use of data from an MLS.

Lookup: A field that contains preset codes as its value. For example: PropertyType might be a field that contains RES as its value. A metadata type request would tell you that PropertyType can contain RES (the code) for Residential (its value), CON for Condo, LAN for Land, COM for Commercial, etc.

Metadata: Metadata can be thought of as “data describing the data.” When used with the Web API interface, retrieving the metadata for a specific property class (e.g., residential properties) will return specific information about all of the fields, field types, which fields are searchable, etc. A metadata-aware Web API client can use this information to automatically recognize changes to a data format (like when a field has been added) and adapt accordingly without user intervention (by adding a new field in their local database to make room).

MLS (Multiple Listing Service): The MLS is a tool to help listing brokers find cooperative brokers working with buyers to help sell their clients’ homes. Without the collaborative incentive of the existing MLS, brokers would create their own separate systems of cooperation, fragmenting rather than consolidating property information.

OData: Open Data Protocol (OData) is an open protocol which allows the creation and consumption of queryable and interoperable RESTful APIs in a simple and standard way.

Query: A query is made up of different subqueries separated for logical operators. Each subquery can contain subqueries, lookups, ranges and strings.

RCP (Rule Change Proposal): An RCP is a document which includes a possible rule change to the specified technical document. Once voted on and approved, the change described would be implemented into the standard.

RESO (Real Estate Standards Organization): RESO is an independent, nonprofit standards body formed to develop data standards and processes that create efficiencies for all participants in real estate transactions. Member organizations include MLSs, brokerages, REALTOR® associations and technology partners. RESO creates and promotes the adoption and utilization of standards that drive efficiency throughout the real estate industry.

RETS (Real Estate Transaction Standard): This term is now considered antiquated by RESO and refers to the unsupported RETS client and server.

Request: An action performed against the server, such as a query, call for images, open house URLs, etc.

Resource: The Data Dictionary term for a general category of data available through a Web API server. Property, Member, Office, Media and Showing are all examples of resources.

SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol): Provides a way to communicate between applications running on different operating systems with different technologies and programming languages.

Schema: The structure of a database system, described in a formal language supported by the database. In a relational database, the schema defines the tables, the fields in each table, and the relationships between fields and tables.

Server: The Server is the central computer system that contains the desired information. A server handles requests from clients, applies business rules and other limitations on those requests (through filtering), and provides a valid data response back to the client.

Symbols: Pipe / |: Means OR. Plus / +: Means AND. Tilde / ~: Means NOT.

UPI (Universal Property Identifier): The UPI is a portable mechanism for uniquely identifying properties. RESO has formulated a basic concept that a property ID be derived from the authoritative public descriptions. The UPI helps avoid duplication of referenced properties when they are represented across organizations/entities/etc.

Versioning: Mechanism which tracks all changes in content and code. Versioning refers to the number associated or applied to the standard. For example, Data Dictionary 1.7, Data Dictionary 2.0, Data Dictionary 2.1.

Web API: An application programming interface layer between outside applications and MLS data / servers using an open data approach of the widely-adopted RESTful (REpresentational State Transfer) technology in use by many industries today.

Workgroup: Workgroups are responsible for updating and creating new standards as the need or desire arises. Workgroups are comprised of RESO members who contribute their time on a volunteer basis.

WS (Web Services): A standardized way of integrating web-based applications using the XML, SOAP, WSDL and UDDI open standards over the Internet protocol backbone.

XML (eXtensible Markup Language): XML is a custom markup language used by many general-purpose applications to exchange information. The tags used within XML are not predefined and can be anything that correctly describes the data. Data in this format is easy for a program to consume and use, regardless of the operating system or programming language used.

 

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