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Boolean

A primitive Value Type representing true or false, normally edited as a checkbox.

type: data-model · status: draft · abstraction: instance

What it is​

Boolean is a primitive Value Type representing a binary truth value: true or false. In the standard editing interface it is rendered as a checkbox, while other interfaces may use an equivalent switch or explicit yes/no control where that is clearer.

The stored value remains boolean regardless of its presentation or translated label. Property configuration may define the labels shown to users, such as "Yes / No", "Approved / Not approved" or "Required / Not required", but those labels do not create additional states.

A Boolean Property may also be unset when the Property is optional. Unset means no value has been supplied; it is not equivalent to false. Required Boolean Properties must contain either true or false. Defaults, if configured, are applied when a Record is created rather than inferred during reads.

Boolean is intended for genuine binary facts. Questions with more than two meaningful answers — including "unknown" or "not applicable" — must use Select; and a workflow state is a process stage, which is the Status Value Type's job, never a Boolean or a plain dropdown.

Why it exists​

Checkboxes are common across manufacturing records: an inspection passed, a certificate is required, a component is hazardous, or an order is approved. Modelling these facts as text or a two-option Select weakens validation, filtering, automation and integration mapping.

A dedicated Boolean Value Type gives UI, flows, agents and APIs one unambiguous representation of truth. It also prevents a damaging shortcut: treating missing data as "No". By preserving unset separately for optional Properties, IMOS can distinguish a negative answer from a question nobody has answered. Select remains the correct choice whenever the business meaning includes unknown, not applicable, pending or any further state.

Relationships​

Outgoing

  • is an instance of → Value Type (many-to-one)
  • is distinct from → Select — Boolean represents two truth values; Select is required when unknown, not applicable or further states are meaningful.

Neighbourhood​

Stakeholder summaries​

  • Product — Provides a standard checkbox-style field for binary facts, with optional labels and a clear distinction between false and not answered.
  • Investor — A strict primitive type improves schema consistency and gives automation and AI an unambiguous binary signal.
  • Marketing — Add clear yes-or-no fields for facts such as approved, inspected or required.
  • Engineering — Stores a native boolean with nullable absence governed by Property optionality. Renderers may vary, but labels and controls must map cleanly to true and false.