Unit 5.2

Fundamental Data Concepts: From Characters to Databases

IT 231: IT and Application

🎯 Today's Goals

By the end of this session, you will be able to:

✅ Define the different levels of the data hierarchy.
✅ Differentiate between data, information, and knowledge.
✅ Apply these concepts to real-world examples.

The Data Hierarchy 📊

In computing, data isn't just a random mess. It's organized in a logical pyramid or hierarchy.

Think of it like building with LEGOs: you start with the smallest bricks and build up to a complete structure.

Character → Field → Record → File → Database

Level 1 & 2: The Building Blocks

1. Character

The most basic logical element.

A single letter: S
A single number: 9
A single symbol: @

2. Field (Attribute)

A group of related characters representing a characteristic of an entity.

First Name: Sita
Price: 1500
Email: sita@example.com

Level 3: The Entity

Record: A collection of related fields that describe a single entity (a person, place, thing, or event).

Example: A Student Record

Field: StudentID → Value: 10123

Field: FirstName → Value: Anjali

Field: LastName → Value: Gurung

Field: Major → Value: BSc.CSIT

Level 4 & 5: The Collections

4. File (or Table)

A collection of related records.

Example: A `Students.csv` file would contain the records for all students in the university.

5. Database

An integrated collection of related files (tables).

Example: A `UniversityDB` would contain the `Students` file, `Courses` file, and `Faculty` file, all linked together.

Visualizing the Hierarchy

From a single character to an entire database.

DATABASE: UniversityDB

FILE (TABLE): Students

RECORD: [10123, Anjali, Gurung, BSc.CSIT]

FIELD: FirstName: "Anjali"

CHARACTER: 'A'

Beyond Structure: The Value of Data

Organizing data is the first step. The real goal is to create meaning.

This leads us to the crucial difference between three key terms...

Data ➡️ Information ➡️ Knowledge

🔍 Data vs. Information vs. Knowledge

Data

Raw, unorganized facts. Meaningless on its own.

45

NPR

Momo

Information

Data organized into a meaningful context.

"The price of one plate of momo is NPR 45."

Knowledge

Actionable insights derived from information.

"By pricing our momos at NPR 45, we are 10% cheaper than competitors, which could increase our sales volume."

Practical Application: A Daraz Seller

Let's apply this to a real-world scenario in Nepal.

Data Point 📊

150, "Laptop Bag", "Pokhara", "2023-11-10"

Information ℹ️

On November 10th, 2023, 150 units of "Laptop Bag" were sold to customers in Pokhara.

Knowledge 💡

Sales of laptop bags in Pokhara tripled during the Gandaki IT Fair. For the next fair, we should pre-stock inventory in our Pokhara hub and run targeted ads to capitalize on this trend.

⚡ Key Takeaways

The Data Hierarchy provides a logical structure:
Character → Field → Record → File → Database.
Data is raw facts, Information is data given context, and Knowledge is actionable insight derived from that information.
The ultimate goal of managing data is to transform it into knowledge that drives intelligent, strategic decisions.

Thank You!

Questions?

Next Up: Unit 5.3 - Introduction to Database Management Systems (DBMS)

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