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Types of Data

Structured Data

Data that is organized in a defined manner or schema, typically found in relational databases

  • Easy to query
  • Organized rows and columns
  • Consistent structure

Examples:

  • Database tables
  • CSV files
  • Excel spreadsheets

Unstructured Data

Data that does not have a predefined structure or schema.

  • Not easy to query without preprocessing
  • May come in various formats

Examples:

  • Text files without a fixed format
  • Video and audio files
  • Images
  • Emails and word processing documents

Semi-Structured Data

Data that is not as organized as structured data but has some level of structure in the form of tags, markers, or other organizational properties.

Examples:

  • XML and JSON files
  • Email headers
  • Log files