What is Data?

Data can be understood as facts or information that are collected, stored, and used for different purposes. It's the basic unit of information used in computing and digital systems. Data can exist in various forms, such as numbers, text, images, audio clips, software programs, etc.

There are two main types of data:

Qualitative or categorical data: This type of data is descriptive and has categories or groups. This can include anything from eye color (blue, green, brown) to type of car (sedan, SUV, pickup).
Quantitative or numerical data: This type of data is measured and expressed numerically. This can include anything from the number of hours you worked in a week to the temperature of a cup of coffee.

Data can also be raw or processed, and it can be characterized as follows:

Raw data: This is data that has been collected but not processed or analyzed. For example, the results of a survey before the responses have been calculated.
Processed data: This is data that has been analyzed or manipulated in some way to be useful. For example, survey results after they have been analyzed to find the average response.

Data is foundational in fields like science, business, and information technology, where it's used to draw conclusions, make predictions, and drive decision-making. It's also a key part of computer science and coding, where it's manipulated to create different outcomes in software and applications.

In the context of databases, 'data' typically refers to any piece of information stored in the database. This could be anything from a name or a date of birth to a complex piece of metadata. This data is then organized and manipulated by the database management system to be used by different applications or users.