Structured Data

Simple Definition for Beginners:

Structured data refers to organized and well-formatted information that is easily searchable, categorized, and processed by computers.

Common Use Example:

A database of customer information, including names, addresses, and purchase history, is an example of structured data that can be easily sorted and analyzed.

Technical Definition for Professionals:

Structured data is information organized into a predefined format, such as tables, rows, and columns, with clearly defined data types and relationships. It is typically stored in databases or structured file formats like CSV, XML, or JSON, making it easy for computers to interpret, manipulate, and analyze. Structured data follows a schema or data model that defines the structure, constraints, and rules for storing and accessing data elements. Examples of structured data include financial records, inventory lists, product catalogs, and relational databases that use SQL for querying and manipulation.