Standard

a statement that describes an acceptable level of performance, excellence, or attainment in that particular activity.

Included in the official Perl distribution, as in a standard module, a standard tool, or a standard Perl "manpage".

A method, material, or practice developed through consensus by experts in the field, which leads to results that are consistent, predictable, and desirable

A published statement on a topic specifying characteristics, usually measurable, that must be satisfied or achieved in order to comply with the standard.

Guideline documentation that reflects agreements on products, practices, or operations by nationally or internationally recognized industrial, professional, trade associations or governmental bodies. Note: This concept applies to formal, approved standards, as contrasted to de facto standards and proprietary standards, which are exceptions to this concept. 2. An exact value, a physical entity, or an abstract concept, established and defined by authority, custom, or common consent to serve as a reference, model, or rule in measuring quantities or qualities, establishing practices or procedures, or evaluating results. A fixed quantity or quality. [JP 1-02]

A document approved by a recognized body that provides for common and repeated use of a prescribed set of rules, conditions, or requirements (Toth, 2000).