The Past & Present of Data

The history of the term "data" is both fascinating and reflective of humanity's intellectual and technological progress over centuries.

The word "data" is derived from the Latin term "datum," meaning "something given" or "a thing granted." At that time, it primarily referred to assumptions or hypotheses used in philosophical and theological contexts, serving as a foundation for arguments or calculations.

The meaning of "data" expanded with its increasing presence in scientific literature. It began to describe observed facts or evidence gathered during experiments or studies, aligning closely with the rise of the scientific method. This period marked a pivotal shift, as "data" became synonymous with measurable and empirical evidence—a cornerstone of scientific inquiry.

"Data" had firmly established itself as a pillar in the field of computing. Its definition expanded to include pieces of information processed by computers, such as binary data (zeroes and ones), structured information stored in databases, and any data that could be collected, stored, analyzed, or utilized for data-driven decision-making. This evolution reflects how the concept of "data" transitioned from its philosophical roots to become central to computing and modern society.

The term "data" symbolizes humanity's growing reliance on empirical evidence, structured analysis, and the digital revolution. 

---

Today's world, there are having more different types of data in business term such as:

• Master data

• Transaction data

• Reference data

• Structured data

• Unstructured data

• Analytical data, etc

Many of the business users I’ve met often confuse these two types of data. Join us in the next topic to explore this further!