Value-Related Terms
Data
The values you store in the database are data. Data is static in the sense that it remains in the same state until you modify it by some manual or automated process. Figure 3.1 shows some sample data.
Figure 3.1. An example of basic data
This data is meaningless at this point. For example, there is no easy way for you to determine what “92883” represents. Is it a zip code? Is it a part number? Even if you know it represents a customer identification number, is it one that is associated with George Edleman? There’s just no way of knowing until you process the data.
Information
Information is data that you process in a manner that makes it meaningful and useful to you when you work with it or view it. It is dynamic in the sense that it constantly changes relative to the data stored in the database, and also in the sense that you can process it and present it in an unlimited number of ways. You can show information as the result of a SQL SELECT statement, display it in a form on your computer screen, or print it as a report. The point to remember is that you must process your data in some manner so that you can turn it into meaningful information.