Abstract: In an object oriented computer system, a framework mechanism defines an infrastructure for allowing a user to flexibly define keys and their corresponding attributes. A special type of key called a specification key allows combinations of attributes to be specified, as well as set and range capabilities. An attribute retrieval policy is defined by a programmer to specify an algorithm or criteria that is used to calculating the desired attribute value. An attribute key controller contains key/value pairings for the attribute, contains the attribute retrieval policy, provides a maintenance interface for changing the attribute values; and provides a client interface for retrieving the attribute according to the attribute retrieval policy. The framework thus allows a user great flexibility in defining a suitable key/attribute retrieval mechanism by defining a suitable policy, defining one or more specification keys, and defining an associated controller.