3.6 Structures for storing data

Metadata is data that describes other data. It provides context, meaning, and structure, helping systems and users understand where data came from, how it should be used, and how it relates to other data.

Examples: file creation date, author, file type, permissions.

File-based structures store data in individual files. Each file contains data and metadata that describe its contents.

Purpose: Simple storage and retrieval of data.

Examples: documents, images, logs.

Directory-based structures organise files into folders to improve organisation and access.

Purpose: Grouping related data and controlling access.

Examples: shared network drives, project folders.

A hierarchy-based structure organises data in levels, where each item can have parent and child relationships.

Purpose: Logical organisation and efficient navigation.

Examples: folder trees, organisational file systems.

Storage structures influence how data can be transformed. Structured storage allows efficient querying and processing, while hierarchical and file-based structures may require additional processing before analysis.

In digital support and security, organisations must choose storage structures that support efficient transformation, access, and secure handling of data.