Data refers to information or facts that are collected, stored, and analyzed for various purposes. It can take many forms, including numbers, text, images, and more. In the context of computing and technology, data is the raw material that is processed to generate meaningful insights. There are two main types of data: structured data, which is organized in a specific format, often within databases, and unstructured data, which lacks a predefined data model and includes information like text documents, images, and videos.
Data is essential for making informed decisions in various fields, including business, science, healthcare, and technology. The process of transforming raw data into useful information involves data collection, storage, processing, analysis, and interpretation. Data plays a crucial role in identifying trends, solving problems, and improving overall efficiency and decision-making.