We explain what data is, the databases and the types of data that exist. Furthermore, its use in statistics and computing.
What is a data?
A data is the representation of a variable that can be quantitative or qualitative that indicates a value that is assigned to things and is represented through a sequence of symbols, numbers or letters.
Data describes empirical facts. To examine them, they must be organized or tabulated, since one piece of information by itself cannot demonstrate much; rather, the whole must be evaluated to examine the results.
- See also: Byte
Database
The databases are formed by a set of data classified according to a criterion and stored on a medium (digital or not) in order to be consulted and accessed in a simple and fast way. Data can be generated automatically and cumulatively with computer programs or entered manually.
The data entered into a database can be of various types depending on the information that is accumulated in said database. For example: an employee database includes the personal information (name, telephone, address) of all members of a company or organization.
- Database
Data in computing
Data in computing is the general expression that describes those characteristics of the entity on which it operates.
Programs and applications have data processing as their function, since each programming language has a set of data from which it works. All the information that enters and leaves a computer does so in the form of data.
Within files exists data that is smaller packets of other data called records (collected by the same or similar characteristics).
- Data in computing
Data types
In programming it is essential to determine what type or category the data you are working with corresponds to. Each data set of a specific type is manipulated differently to obtain the desired results.
Numeric
- Whole. Data type formed by a numerical variable that does not have a decimal part.
- Real. Data type formed by a numerical variable that can have a decimal part.
Text
- Character. Type of data formed by a unit or symbol that can be a letter, a number, a capital letter or a punctuation mark.
- Chain. Data type formed by a set of consecutively arranged characters that are represented in quotes.
Logical
- Boolean. Data type that can represent two values: true or false.
Statistical data
The statistic is branch of mathematics that analyzes data obtained from different representative samples to know a phenomenon. There are two types of data that are analyzed in statistics, which must be processed and framed within a context to generate information;
- Qualitative data. Data that answers the question: which one? or which ones? and are represented with letters. For example: name, gender.
- Quantitative data. Data that is referred to numbers. For example: price, height, age.
Difference between data and information
The concept of data is closely linked to that of information, but there is a fundamental difference between both terms. While the data refers to recorded events or facts, Information is made up of raw data that is processed in such a way that it generates content that can be known and interpreted by users.
Data does not make sense by itself, but when processed and contextualized, it becomes accurate information available to understand a phenomenon, make decisions or execute actions.
Data Examples
Examples of qualitative data
Name: Jazmin Suarez
Occupation: Teacher
Home: Conquistadores Avenue
Gender: Female
Examples of quantitative data
Age: 59
Height: 1.56
Number of children: 4
Years in office: 8
References
- “Data” in RAE.
- “Data types” in UTN.
- “What do we talk about when we talk about computing? in ADICRA.
- “Informatics” at the University of Seville.
