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structured data

Data can be designated as structured or unstructured data for classification within an organization. The term structured data refers to data that is identifiable because it is organized in a structure. The most common form of structured data -- or structured data records (SDR) -- is a database where specific information is stored based on a methodology of columns and rows.

Structured data is also searchable by data type within content. Structured data is understood by computers and is also efficiently organized for human readers.  In contrast, unstructured data has no identifiable structure.

Contrast with unstructured data.
See also data modeling and big data.



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