Data processing: meaning, definitions and examples

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data processing

 

[ ˈdeɪtə ˈprɑːˌsɛsɪŋ ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

technology

The action or process of converting information into a digital format, allowing for manipulation, analysis, and storage of data.

Synonyms

data analysis, data manipulation, information processing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
data processing

When referring to the broad, general handling and organization of data, often automated or done by computer systems.

  • The software is designed for efficient data processing.
  • Data processing can help in organizing large volumes of information.
data analysis

When focusing on examining and interpreting data to uncover patterns, insights, or trends, often used in research or business contexts.

  • After data analysis, we discovered new market trends.
  • Data analysis revealed that our sales increased by 20% last quarter.
data manipulation

When specifically talking about altering, organizing, or transforming data, either ethically or unethically. It can have a negative connotation if it implies unethical changes.

  • Data manipulation techniques are sometimes necessary for cleaning datasets.
  • Accusations of improper data manipulation damaged the company's reputation.
information processing

When discussing the handling and management of information in a general sense, often including cognitive processes and human activities.

  • Information processing is critical in decision-making processes.
  • The human brain excels at information processing.

Examples of usage

  • Data processing plays a crucial role in modern businesses.
  • The speed of data processing has significantly increased with the advancement of technology.
Context #2 | Noun

business

The handling and transformation of data into valuable insights for decision-making purposes.

Synonyms

data analytics, data interpretation, data transformation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
data processing

Handling and organizing raw data into an understandable format. Typically involves sorting, cleaning, and converting data into a usable format.

  • Data processing is crucial for ensuring the quality of information before analysis.
  • The team spent hours on data processing to prepare the datasets for the meeting.
data analytics

Examining datasets to draw conclusions and insights. Involves techniques like statistical analysis, data mining, and machine learning.

  • Data analytics helped the company identify trends and boost sales.
  • With advanced data analytics, we can predict customer behavior more accurately.
data interpretation

Making sense of analyzed data, often by explaining its significance, drawing conclusions, and making recommendations. This is the step where findings from data analytics are translated into actionable insights.

  • Data interpretation revealed that customer satisfaction has improved significantly.
  • The manager focused on data interpretation to provide a clear report to stakeholders.
data transformation

Changing the format, structure, or values of data to meet the requirements of a particular analysis or system. Typically part of the ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) process.

  • Data transformation was necessary to integrate information from different sources.
  • The data transformation process included converting text data into numerical values for analysis.

Examples of usage

  • Efficient data processing can lead to competitive advantages in the market.
  • Companies invest heavily in data processing tools to optimize their operations.
Context #3 | Verb

computing

To perform operations on data to extract meaningful information or achieve a specific outcome.

Synonyms

data computation, data manipulation, information processing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
data processing

Typically used when referring to the general act of taking raw data and turning it into usable information. It is often used in contexts like data storage, retrieval, and systematic organization.

  • The data processing pipeline ensures that raw data is cleaned and structured before analysis.
  • Data processing is essential for making sense of the vast amounts of information generated daily.
data manipulation

Refers to the modification, transformation, or moving of data. It involves actions that change the data's structure or content and can sometimes have a negative connotation if it implies unethical alterations.

  • Data manipulation techniques are crucial for preparing datasets for machine learning models.
  • Careful data manipulation can reveal new insights from existing datasets. Beware of unethical data manipulation to avoid misleading results.
data computation

Specifically used for tasks that require mathematical or algorithmic operations on data. It is often found in technical contexts involving extensive calculations or simulations.

  • High-performance computers are used for data computation in scientific research.
  • The algorithm performs complex data computations to predict future trends.
information processing

Generally used to describe the act of taking data and producing meaningful information from it, with a focus on the flow and handling of information rather than the computational aspects.

  • Information processing is a critical element in decision-making systems.
  • The brain's information processing capabilities are far more advanced than any computer.

Examples of usage

  • The software is designed to process data efficiently.
  • Data processing involves cleaning, transforming, and analyzing large datasets.

Translations

Translations of the word "data processing" in other languages:

🇵🇹 processamento de dados

🇮🇳 डेटा प्रोसेसिंग

🇩🇪 Datenverarbeitung

🇮🇩 pemrosesan data

🇺🇦 обробка даних

🇵🇱 przetwarzanie danych

🇯🇵 データ処理

🇫🇷 traitement des données

🇪🇸 procesamiento de datos

🇹🇷 veri işleme

🇰🇷 데이터 처리

🇸🇦 معالجة البيانات

🇨🇿 zpracování dat

🇸🇰 spracovanie údajov

🇨🇳 数据处理

🇸🇮 obdelava podatkov

🇮🇸 gagnavinnsla

🇰🇿 деректерді өңдеу

🇬🇪 მონაცემთა დამუშავება

🇦🇿 məlumatların işlənməsi

🇲🇽 procesamiento de datos

Etymology

The concept of data processing dates back to the early 20th century with the emergence of tabulating machines. Over time, the field evolved with the development of computers and digital technologies, leading to the widespread use of data processing in various industries. Today, data processing plays a critical role in decision-making processes, scientific research, and technological advancements.