27 November 2024 Structured Data vs Unstructured Data Share this message The difference between structured and unstructured data is fundamental to data management and analytics. Here’s an overview of the two types: 1. Structured Data Definition: Structured data is well ordered and adheres to a specified structure or standard. It is kept in a way that allows for easy search and analysis. Examples include relational databases, spreadsheet tables, financial transactions, and customer records. Characteristics: Format: Tabular (rows and columns), with each column having a specific data type (e.g. integer, string, date). Storage: Typically stored in relational databases (e.g., SQL databases), which manage and retrieve data using structured query languages (SQL). Searchability: The preset structure makes it easy to search using queries. Analytics: Structured data is simpler to analyze with statistical and mathematical models, making it perfect for dashboards and reporting. 2. Unstructured Data Definition: Unstructured data has no specified format or organization, making it more difficult to handle and analyze. This sort of data does not fit easily into tables and requires more advanced ways of analysis. Examples include text documents, emails, social media postings, audio, video, photos, and sensor data. Characteristics: Format: Numerous unstructured data types and formats exist, which differ greatly in terms of content and storage methods. Storage: Databases built for non-tabular data, such as NoSQL databases (e.g., MongoDB) or data lakes. Searchability: Difficult to find and evaluate without expert tools. Analytics: Derive insights through increasingly advanced processing, such as machine learning techniques. Key Differences FeatureStructured DataUnstructured DataFormatTabular (rows and columns)Text, images, audio, video, etc.StorageRelational databases (SQL)NoSQL databases, data lakesSearchabilityEasily searchable and queryableRequires specialized toolsAnalyticsStraightforward, quantitativeRequires AI and machine learningExamplesSpreadsheets, CRM data, SQL tablesSocial media, videos, emails 3. Semi-structured data Semi-structured data falls somewhere in the center. This type does not fit nicely into structured databases, yet it retains certain organizing qualities. JSON and XML are popular formats used in online data and APIs, where data is kept in key-value pairs that provide some structure but not to the level of a relational database. Semi-structured data has greater flexibility than structured data and is simpler to deal with than unstructured data. Make Better Decisions with Generative AI-driven Answers from Unstructured Data. Using Qlik Answers. Contact us for a demo Mireille Erasmus Mireille Erasmus joined Bitmetric in June 2022 as a Marketing Manager after immigrating from South Africa. She loves working with people and firmly believes in the power of positivity. Mireille focuses on creating effective campaigns and building strong connections with customers. With a passion for using data to drive results, she combines creativity with a positive mindset to develop marketing strategies. When she’s not busy at work, you’ll find Mireille spending time with friends and family, walking her dog, or visiting local markets. Qlik How can we help? Barry has over 20 years experience as a Data & Analytics architect, developer, trainer and author. He will gladly help you with any questions you may have. Call us Mail us 4 December 2024 New critical security patches for Qlik Sense Enterprise for Windows A new security vulnerability in Qlik Sense Enterprise for Windows has been disclosed, affecting versions from February 2023 to November 2024. Ensure your systems are updated with the latest patches to protect against this issue. New Release Qlik Vulnerability 3 December 2024 December 3, 2024: What’s New in Qlik Cloud? Discover all the latest updates to Qlik Cloud that were released on December 3, 2024 New Release Qlik 26 November 2024 November 26, 2024: What’s New in Qlik Cloud? Discover all the latest updates to Qlik Cloud that were released on November 26, 2024 New Release Qlik
4 December 2024 New critical security patches for Qlik Sense Enterprise for Windows A new security vulnerability in Qlik Sense Enterprise for Windows has been disclosed, affecting versions from February 2023 to November 2024. Ensure your systems are updated with the latest patches to protect against this issue. New Release Qlik Vulnerability
3 December 2024 December 3, 2024: What’s New in Qlik Cloud? Discover all the latest updates to Qlik Cloud that were released on December 3, 2024 New Release Qlik
26 November 2024 November 26, 2024: What’s New in Qlik Cloud? Discover all the latest updates to Qlik Cloud that were released on November 26, 2024 New Release Qlik