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Attributes vs. metadata

Saleor uses both Attributes and Metadata in various places. Attributes have a strict structure with data types, validation, schema etc. Metadata is a simple key: value structure without types. You might wonder, do we need both? Or which should I use where?

Attributes vs. Metadata difference​

Attributes:

  • intended to be filled in by people
  • strictly typed
  • the schema is strict so that the storefront can depend on this value being of a specific shape e.g. a field for number of pages will not contain a photo of jeans
  • attributes are typically used in the UI layer, presented to customers, merchandisers, or admins

Metadata:

  • intended to be filled by an app, an automation or integration through the API
  • validation should happen in unit tests of the app
  • metadata has no schema so that it doesn’t require a human to change how the code is operating with them