Let's start by looking at what is known as data analysis. This is defined as a structured process undertaken to evaluate data using analytical and logical reasoning. One performs data analysis by taking the time to gather up all the data to be analyzed, breaking that data (now viewed as a data source) into chunks or components (that can be reviewed), and then drawing a conclusion based upon what is seen or found within the data. Typically, this is done in an effort to determine that a data source is useable for meeting a declared project deliverable.
There are a variety of specific data analysis approaches, some of which include data mining (discussed in Chapter 4, Data Mining and the Database Developer), text analytics, business intelligence, and data visualizations (just to name a few of them).
To a data developer, data analysis involves inspecting the individual...
