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Difference Between Data and Information
In computer science and information technology, the terms data and information are frequently used as if they are synonyms, but in reality, they are quite different from each other. The most fundamental difference between the two is that data is the collection of raw facts and figures, while information is the processed data that have a meaning for a user.
Read this article to find out more about "data" and "information" and how these two terms are different from each other.
What is Data?
Data is a collection of raw facts and figures that can be processed by any computing machine to produce a meaningful result. Therefore, data makes the basis of a process. In other words, data can be defined as an atomic level piece of information. Data is often obtained by the observation of a phenomenon.
Since data contains both useless and useful facts, it is relatively difficult to understand. Examples of data include Employee name, Product name, Name of the student, Marks of the student, Mobile number, Image etc.
What is Information?
In computers, Information is the data that has been converted into more useful or intelligent form. In other words, a set of processed data that have some meaning for a user is referred to as information. In computing models,information is anything that is the result obtained after the completion of a process. It is basically an organized data.
Information is considered a secondary level of intelligence. Since information always contains meaningful facts, it is easy to comprehend. Examples of information are report card of a student, a sells report, etc.
The information is required for the following reasons −
To keep the system up to date.
To gain knowledge about the surroundings.
To get knowledge about the rules and regulations of the society, etc.
Difference between Data and Information
The following table highlights all the major differences between data and information −
S.No. |
Data |
Information |
|---|---|---|
1. |
Data can be understood as a qualitative or quantitative entity that helps in developing ideas or helps arrive at conclusions. |
Information is data that has meaning. |
2. |
It has been derived from a Latin worn 'datum', that means 'to give something'. |
It was derived from French words and Middle English origins. |
3. |
Data is the plural of 'datum'. |
It refers to the 'act of informing'. |
4. |
It could be letters, numbers, characters, sentences, and so on. |
It can be understood as the act of interpreting data. |
5. |
It can be in a structured format, unstructured format, or semi-structured format, such as graph, tree, table, and so on. |
Interpretation would lead to meaningful data. |
6. |
It is a single unit, and is considered as raw information. |
It is the data that has been processed, and most of it is useful. |
7. |
It doesn't depend on information. |
It depends on the sanctity, authenticity and validity of data. |
8. |
All the data collected may not be useful |
It can be understood as the second level of knowledge. |
9. |
It is considered as low-level knowledge. |
It is the second level of knowledge. |
10. |
It can't be used in the process of decision-making. |
It is used frequently in the process of decision-making. |
11. |
It can be understood as the property of an organization, and hence, not available to public (for sale). |
Information is available to the public on sale. |
12. |
It depends on the source of data. |
It is reliable, and helps in analysis. |
13. |
It can't be relied upon, and hence can't be used for analysis. |
It is readily available for use. |
14. |
It alone doesn't have any significance. |
It is significant. |
15. |
It is not specific (depending on requirements). |
It is specific, since it is processed based on the requirement in hand. |
16. |
It can be based on records and observations |
It is based on processes. |
Conclusion
From the above discussion, we may conclude that data and information are absolutely different from each other. The most significant difference that you should keep in mind is that "data" is the raw facts and figures that becomes the basis of a process, while "information" is the processed data that provides a significant knowledge to the user.
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