Semi-structured data
Semi-structured data is data that has a certain order and organization but does not follow strict rules.
In contrast to unstructured data, such as text documents or images, semi-structured data can be processed by machine.
Characteristics of semi-structured data
- No rigid requirement: Semi-structured data does not follow a rigid schema or data model.
- markings: Tags such as XML tags or HTML elements are often used to structure the data.
- Flexibility: The structure of data can be flexible and change over time.
- Machine processing: Semi-structured data can be processed automatically using suitable methods.
Examples of semi-structured data
- XML files: XML is a common language for storing and transmitting semi-structured data.
- JSON files: JSON is another popular language for semi-structured data.
- Emails: Emails often contain text, HTML elements, and attachments, making them semi-structured data.
- Log files: Log files contain records with various information, such as time stamps, events, and error messages.
Benefits of semi-structured data
- Flexibility: Semi-structured data is more flexible than structured data and can adapt to new requirements.
- Processability: Semi-structured data can be processed automatically using suitable methods.
- Storage space: Semi-structured data can be stored in a more space-saving way than structured data.
Disadvantages of semi-structured data
- Complexity: Processing semi-structured data can be more complex than processing structured data.
- Susceptibility to errors: Semi-structured data is more susceptible to errors than structured data.
- Interoperability: The interoperability of semi-structured data may be limited.
More variants
Data-related services can be found, for example, in Data Strategy, data management Or even Data Governance.
Note: Our team benefited from the support of AI technologies while creating and maintaining this glossary.
Data is available in various structures.
Thomas Borlik
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