Types of data
Almost all computer applications make use of data. Some of
them are data centric, in the sense that their main purpose
is to store, manage, and distribute data of some for. Other
use data as part of their function. If you look at all these
types of data, you can come to the following classification
of types of data:
- Streams: these are audio and video streams of data.
Static images could also be included in the category.
- Documents: these range from word processing documents
to HTML and XML and all their variants. They are characterized
by a hierarchical organisation.
- Records: these are all types of data that are organized
as collections of small records. These are found in the
traditional database systems used for administrative
purposes.
- Complex: examples of these are found in 3D models used
in computer games, but also other types of models.
Of course, the distinction between these four types of data is
not always very strong. In some multi-media presentations we
see a combinations of documents with streams.
The data in Enterprice Resource Systems (ERP) is traditionally
stored as records, but probably also overlap with
complex because of the many complex relationships.
Depending on the type of data there are different means of
storing data. Streams and document are mostly
stored as files. Records are typically stored in
Relational Database Managements Systems (RDMS). complex
data are often stored in proprietary systems.
