# Define what data is!

# Definitions

Let's first define a common language so we are talking about the same thing.
It's to often the case that we do not have a clear understanding of the true meaning of a word due to missuse in our everyday lifes.

# Data

Let's look what Wikidedia has to say about Data.

Data (US: /ˈdætə/; UK: /ˈdeɪtə/) is a collection of discrete values that convey information, describing quantity, quality, fact, statistics, other basic units of meaning, or simply sequences of symbols that may be further interpreted.

Another explanation that i found helpful was:

Data is Factual information (such as measurements or statistics) used as a basis for reasoning, discussion, or calculation the Data is plentiful and easily available.
H A Gleason, Jr.

So Data is in the form of text, numbers, or symbols that can be used by computers and must be Factual.
Also because they are Factual it means that there can only be one version of it.
Data is Immutable!

Conclusion

"Data MUST be Factual, therfore it can only exist ONE version of it at any given time, Data is immutable and it MUST be representable by a Text, Number or Symbol"

# Information

Next up is Information.

Information is an abstract concept that refers to that which has the power to inform. At the most fundamental level information pertains to the interpretation of that which may be sensed.
Wikipedia

Ha! thats not realy helpful to me.

Information are the meaning of a given message.
University of Zurich

So i conclude that Information is Data in context of related facts.

# Knowledge

Knowledge can be defined as awareness of facts or as practical skills, and may also refer to familiarity with objects or situations. There is wide agreement among philosophers that it is a form of true belief.
Wikipedia

Knowledge is information, understanding, or skill that you get from experience or education.
Britannica

Knowledge therfore is the non-factual interpretation of Information.

As it is often the case in Medicine or Sience with more experience though experiments the Interpretation of Information change.

# Understanding or Insight

the capacity to gain an accurate and deep understanding of someone or something.
Wikipedia

Insight is the understanding of the true nature of something
Birtannica

Not only knowing that something is in a certain way, but also why! I would Say.

# Wisdom

The quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgement.
The quality of being wise.
Wikipedia

# Example

This is Fluffy the Cat! Isn't she cute?

Picture by Amber Kipp
Idea from the Book HMI Handbook by Bill Hollifield & Dana Oliver & Ian Nimmo & Eddie Habibi

This is the Data Representation of one of fluffy's properties.

Explanation

Fluffy the cat has a Body Temperature of 38.8°C, is this healthy?
Without knowledge this Information is not sufficient to answer the question.
With the knowledge that it is usually between 38.3 and 39.2 you can answer the question without the Insight of why it is healthy.

# Next Up

For simplicity i will continue to use the term Data even of the term Information would be more sufficient.
In the Next post i will have a look at the Corporate view on Data.