Data Handling: Processing and Storage Concepts

Study Notes

Data handling is a critical component of managing data effectively. It involves two main processes: processing and storage. Processing involves transformations like filtering, sorting, joining, splitting, aggregating, etc., which help refine raw input into structured output. Storage refers to how you store your processed data, whether it's permanent or temporary, such as on a hard drive or in memory. Essentially, data processing is the method by which we turn our unorganized data into information that can be easily accessed and utilized; while data storage is the practice of keeping these organized sets of data safe so they may be retrieved when needed. There are several considerations involved with both processes:

For processing:

Consider using different methods depending on the size and complexity of your data set.
Be aware that some operations need more computing power than others. For example, merging two large tables might require more RAM than simply adding numbers together.
Watch out for errors during processing! Make sure all calculations and decisions made along the way produce correct results.
Look ahead to what kind of analysis will make sense once you finish processing - this will guide many choices throughout the process.

For storing data:

Decide where you want to keep your data. Options range from local computers to remote servers, each with its own pros and cons regarding security, cost, speed, reliability, scalability, maintainability, and ease of access.
Think carefully about backup policies: regular backups ensure against loss due to hardware failure or other disasters.
Pay attention to privacy issues related to storing personal information online or offline, especially if dealing with sensitive data.
Remember that there is often tradeoff between the amount of data stored and how fast it can be loaded and analyzed later on.

In summary, effective data handling requires careful planning and execution across different steps involving processing and storage. Each step has its own challenges, and understanding those early on leads to better overall outcomes from your data management efforts.

Description

Learn about the critical components of data handling: processing and storage. Explore the methods, considerations, and challenges involved in refining raw data into useful information and keeping it safe for future use.