ISO 5211
ISO 5211 is an international standard that defines a numeric coding system for representing human sexes. It specifies four codes: 0 for 'not known', 1 for 'male', 2 for 'female', and 9 for 'not applicable', providing a standardized way to handle sex information in data systems and applications. This standard is widely used in databases, software, and forms to ensure consistency and interoperability across different platforms and regions.
Developers should learn and use ISO 5211 when building systems that require standardized handling of sex data, such as in healthcare, government, or enterprise applications, to avoid ambiguity and ensure data integrity. It is particularly useful in scenarios involving data exchange, integration, or compliance with international regulations, as it reduces errors and simplifies processing by using a clear, numeric representation.