Data and information#
Data refers to the text, numbers, dates or logical values that describe the characteristics of the people, objects and processes of our world. We consider data to be the low-level representation of values as bits and bytes.
Examples of data are:
“Jonathon”
3.0e8
190
Information implies labelling of data to give meaning, links to other data to describe relationships and an organisation of links to provide structure and meaning.
Examples of information are:
“Jonathon” the oldest living animal,
3.0e8 ms-1, the approximate speed of light (not the speed of Jonathon)
190 years, the age Jonathon was in 2022 (which would make him 191 years old by now)
The distinction between data and information is important because without the context or label for a piece of data, it can be difficult to use or apply to other solutions or areas.