Non-referencing

Non-referencing describes a system, method, or approach that does not rely on or make specific connections to other data, information, or external entities. It operates in isolation, treating data independently without establishing links or dependencies. This lack of explicit connections can manifest in various domains, from data storage and analysis to design and communication, where information exists without explicitly referencing or pointing to outside sources or related items. This approach prioritizes self-contained units or systems.

Non-referencing meaning with examples

• In a database, a non-referencing schema stores data independently in each table without establishing foreign keys. Each table contains unique information without linking records across tables. This is simpler to manage initially, offering some performance boosts, but limits more complex cross-table data queries or relationships and prevents referential integrity.
• A non-referencing style of writing can present ideas and arguments without explicitly citing the source materials. The writing stands alone, the information being offered as though it is common knowledge and easily understood. This may save on the word count but could leave the writer open to accusations of plagarism or lack of research.
• A non-referencing design approach in a software application might mean storing images directly within the application package. This self-contained nature means easy portability, as the software does not need to search or reference images in an external directory. However, it might consume more storage and make updating or altering these resources cumbersome.
• In some forms of data analysis, a non-referencing technique involves analyzing individual data points without connecting them to a broader context or trends. The value is considered to be based only on itself, not related to outside or similar datapoints. This simplicity leads to fast processing but may miss significant patterns.
• A non-referencing model for building user interfaces might entail designing each screen independently of all others. The look of each screen is a stand alone, singular design piece that operates on its own and does not connect to a larger theme or shared design elements, leading to greater design time and less consistency.