What is big data?
Before delving into the introduction of big data, it is essential to understand the concept of data. Data processed by a computer comprises quantities, characters, or symbols, which can be stored, transmitted, and recorded as electrical signals on magnetic, optical, or mechanical media. Big data, on the other hand, refers to an extensive collection of data that is massive in volume and continues to grow exponentially over time. It is characterized by its substantial size and complexity, to the extent that traditional data management tools cannot efficiently store and process it. Big data is a unique form of data that presents immense challenges and opportunities due to its sheer magnitude. Let’s now explore these distinctive features, or the four Vs of big data, in detail:
- Volume: Big data refers to vast amounts of data generated, collected, and stored by various sources, including sensors, social media, transactional data, and more. The sheer volume...