Rule: Slot Naming Convention (Current Style)

🚨 CRITICAL: New LinkML slot names MUST follow the current verb-first naming style used in active slot files under schemas/20251121/linkml/modules/slots/.

Status

This rule replaces the deprecated RiC-O naming rule.
The old has_or_had_* / is_or_was_* requirement is not mandatory for new slot names.

Core Naming Rules

Use snake_case.
Prefer short, descriptive verb predicates as canonical names.
Keep names ontology-neutral (no ontology namespace prefixes in slot names).
Use singular nouns in object positions (including multivalued slots).
Keep temporal semantics in mappings/definitions when needed, not by forcing a legacy prefix.

Preferred Patterns

1) Simple verb predicates (default)

Use a single verb when it clearly expresses the relation.

Examples from active slots:

accept
contain
catalogue
exhibit

2) Verb + particle/preposition when needed

Use compact phrasal forms when a preposition carries core meaning.

Examples:

belong_to
located_in
derived_from

3) Symmetric or directional pair pattern

Use <present>_or_<past_participle> when both directions/states are intentionally modeled in one predicate label.

Examples:

contains_or_contained
includes_or_included
operates_or_operated

Legacy Compatibility

Existing has_or_had_* and is_or_was_* slots can remain where already established.
For migrations, keep backward compatibility via aliases when renaming to current-style canonical names.
Do not rename canonical slots opportunistically; follow migration plans and canonical-slot protection rules.

Anti-Patterns

❌ rico_has_or_had_holder (ontology prefix in name)
❌ collections (plural noun predicate)
❌ has_museum_visitor_count (class-specific slot name)
❌ Creating new has_or_had_* names by default when a verb predicate is clearer

Quick Checklist

Is the canonical slot name verb-first and descriptive?
Is it snake_case?
Is the noun part singular?
Is the name ontology-neutral?
If renaming legacy slots, are aliases/migration constraints handled?

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