Attribute
=========

*Attributes* are variables that occur in :doc:`multi-attribute
models <DEXiGlosMAMod>`. They are organized into a hierarchical
structure called :doc:`tree of attributes <DEXiGlosTree>`. According to
their position in the tree, the attributes are either:

-  *basic attributes*: terminal nodes ("leaves") of the tree, or
-  *aggregate attributes*: internal nodes in the tree.

Basic attributes represent inputs of the :doc:`multi-attribute
model <DEXiGlosMAMod>`. :doc:`Options <DEXiGlosOpt>` are
described by the values of basic attributes.

Aggregate attributes represent option
:doc:`evaluations <DEXiGlosEval>`. They include are the one or more
*roots* of the tree, which represent the overall evaluation of options.

In :doc:`DEXi <DEXi>`, each attribute is defined by its:

-  *Name*: main identification of the attribute, which is typically a
   short string used in printouts, table headings, etc.;
-  *Description*: usually a longer string providing further
   documentation about the attribute;
-  :doc:`Scale <DEXiGlosScale>`.

Aggregate attributes also have a :doc:`utility
function <DEXiGlosFunct>`.

See also
--------

Description of :doc:`linked attributes <DEXiGlosLink>`.

:doc:`Attributes <DEXiCarTree>` for :doc:`Car Evaluation <DEXiCar>`.

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