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What is a data dictionary?

Technology   |   Paul Warburg   |   Sep 5, 2020 TIME TO READ: 3 MINS
TIME TO READ: 3 MINS

A data dictionary is described as a collection of the names, definitions, and attributes for data elements and models. The meaning of the data in the collection is actually the metadata about the database. These elements are then used as part of a database, research project, or information system. These are some of the most common elements used in data dictionaries, though there’s variation: 

  • Attribute name
  • Attribute type
  • Entity-relationship
  • Reference data
  • Rules for validation, schema, or data quality
  • Detailed properties of data elements
  • Physical information about where data is stored

There are two types of data dictionaries: active and passive. An active data dictionary is tied to a specific database which makes data transference a challenge, but it updates automatically with the data management system. A passive data dictionary isn’t tied to a particular database or server, but it also must be manually maintained to prevent metadata from being out of sync.   

Why Data Dictionaries Are Important

The main reason companies use data dictionaries is to document and share data structures and other information for all involved with a project or database. Using a shared data dictionary ensures the same quality, meaning, and relevance for all elements for all team members. It will define conventions for the project and consistency throughout the dataset, and help teams analyze the data easier later on. Without it, there’s a higher risk of losing crucial information in translation and transition. 

How to Create a Data Dictionary

Many businesses rely on database management systems (DBMS), and these systems most often have built-in active data dictionaries. Documentation can be generated with SQL, Server, Oracle, or mySQL. To create a passive data dictionary, analysts will need to build one separately from a DBMS since they aren’t managed by a management system. SQL, Server, and Oracle can be used to build a data dictionary, and there’s even a template in Excel. The easiest integration is to use it as part of a DBMS.  

Data Dictionary Challenges

A data dictionary benefits analysts by making a database consistent and simplifying the analysis process, but it only carries consistency and standardization so far. Without data preparation, building a data dictionary can be time consuming to create or only standardize part of a database or project. So while the data elements are consistent, that’s only one part of preparing data for the actual analysis process. And data preparation on a large scale can be time consuming, leaving many businesses in a data lurch. 

Data Preparation

The future of the data dictionary is to combine it with data preparation to save teams time and resources and to make a project consistent across the board. When integrated into a data preparation system, the two work together to make consistency efficient and simpler for analysts. 

For the best data dictionary setup, Alteryx provides efficient and effective data preparation tools for a variety of industries. Sign up for a free 30-day trial today.

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