Metadata description file
Structured description (title, creators, dates, licence, keywords) for a dataset or software
What it is
Metadata description file: Structured description (title, creators, dates, licence, keywords) for a dataset or software. In plain words, it is a written document that explains this work clearly to the people who need to read, check, or use it.
Who needs it and why
Researchers depositing data or software.
Software, data and metadata files are read by people and by machines. A clear, complete file lets others install, cite, reuse and trust your work, and lets repositories index it correctly.
Sample outline
- Title
- Creators
- Date
- Description
- Keywords
- Licence
- Related identifiers
This is a made-up outline to show the shape of a typical document of this type. Your own sections depend on your work and any template you must follow.
How our writing support works
- Tell us what you need on the order form: type, length, deadline, and any template.
- We understand your goal and agree an outline with you.
- You write each section; we give structure, language, and clarity feedback.
- We check references, consistency, and similarity, and flag gaps.
- A mentor reviews the draft and you revise it.
- You receive a final checklist and an authorship record.
You write it; we support you. We never write it for you, and you keep full authorship.
Advantages
- Clear structure from day one
- Feedback from experienced mentors
- Checks run while you write
- You stay the author
Benefits
- Readers understand your work faster
- Fewer rounds of revision
- More confidence when you submit or share it
Value
A clear, well-structured Metadata description file saves time for every reviewer and user, and it reflects the real quality of your work.
Common mistakes
- Missing licence or version
- Instructions that only work on the author’s computer
- Author names and identifiers left out
- Files never updated after a release
Checklist
- ☐ Title, version and date
- ☐ Authors with identifiers
- ☐ Licence stated
- ☐ Install or use steps tested by someone else
- ☐ How to cite
Free tool
Make a first draft in the standard structure with our free Metadata description file (JSON) generator, then score it with the document checker.
Existing practice, models and how many exist
Existing models & sample templates
- DataCite Metadata Schema — schema.datacite.org
- CodeMeta software metadata — codemeta.github.io
- Dublin Core Metadata Terms — www.dublincore.org
Who already uses it
- Repositories require structured metadata for every deposit
Identifier agencies that register it
DataCite · Crossref
How many exist so far
| What was counted | Count · years | Source |
|---|---|---|
| DataCite: all records | 139,916,842 · publication years 1000–2026 | api.datacite.org |
Counts are live totals from public registry APIs on the date shown and change daily. Year ranges are the publication years recorded in the metadata (older items are often digitised later). Where no reliable count exists we say so rather than guess. Agency and organisation names belong to their owners and are shown only as facts about existing practice; Dotzy is independent and is not a partner, affiliate or agent of any of them.
FAQ
Do you write my code?
No. We support the documentation and metadata you write; the software is yours.
Is there a free tool?
Yes. Our free document generator and checker builds a first draft and scores missing sections.
What does it cost?
Prices start from ₹1,999 per project. The final quote depends on length and deadline.
Who is the author?
You are. We never ghost-write; you keep full authorship.
How long does it take?
It depends on length and your deadline; tell us your date on the order form.