Summary of 5 Minute Metadata - What is a data dictionary?

A data dictionary provides context for a collection of data, similar to how a traditional dictionary provides context for words.

A data dictionary typically includes the name of the column, its definition, data type, size, and possible values.

abbreviations can be used in a data dictionary to save space and make data entry faster.

codes can be used in a data dictionary to provide special meanings for certain values.

Recording important details like the number of pages or publication year in a data dictionary helps in interpreting and understanding the data.

Data dictionaries can be stored in Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, XML files, or metadata registries to ensure that people understand the context of the data.

Speakers/sources

— 00:49 — « a data dictionary tells us the context of a collection of data »

— 01:39 — « if a good dictionary has the word and the meaning of that word what is a good way of recording the context of data »

— 03:33 — « codes are still text but they now have a special meaning »