Metadata
Defined as data that defines other data, metadata helps to sort and recognize characteristics of the data it describes. Meta in IT refers to an underlying definition or description. It summarizes basic information about data, facilitating the quick finding, use, and reuse of specific data instances.
If we’re to talk about files, date created, date modified, author, file size, etc. are its metadata. Knowing this information makes it easy to quickly locate a particular document. Metadata is also used for:
- Images
- Spreadsheets
- Relational databases
- Audio files
- Video files
- Web pages
Metadata includes:
- Describing and locating warehouse parts and systems
- Authoritative data source identification
- Names, descriptions, content, and structures of data warehouses and end-user views
- Integration and modification rules used for information delivery to analytical tools
- Development, maintenance, and management of data warehouses and their use.
- Security authorization, access control, and more.
- KPIs for analysis of warehouse usage and performance.
- Subscription information for information delivery to analysis subscribers.
Metadata helps users to understand the content and locate it easily. The metadata contains keywords related to the content in addition to describing the content itself. It is displayed by search engines in the search results. This means it is important to ensure the accuracy of the metadata. A user may decide to visit a site or not based on this.