Data vs. Information

Main Difference

The main difference between Data and Information is that Data is the random, unorganized raw fact about something that needs to be organized before its use whereas Information is the data that has been processed and organized into a useful context.

Data vs. Information — Is There a Difference?
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Difference Between Data and Information

Data vs. Information

The facts and statistics that are collected for reference or analysis are known as data, whereas, facts about something that are obtained after processing the data are known as information.

Data vs. Information

The word ‘Data’ is derived from a Latin word ‘datum,’ which means "To give something." On the other hand, the word ‘information’ was discovered from the Latin word ‘informare,’ which means ‘give form to.’

Data vs. Information

Data based on records and observations conversely, information based on the analysis.

Data vs. Information

Data is in the form of letters, numbers, or a set of characters on the flip side, information based on ideas and inferences.

Data vs. Information

We may represent data in the form of tabular data, data tree, and graph, On the other side, information is represented in the form of language, thoughts, and ideas based on the given data.

Data vs. Information

Data is an unorganized form, while information is an organized form of data.

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Data vs. Information

Data never depends upon the information. On the other hand, information depends upon data.

Data vs. Information

Data is not specific to anything, whereas information is specific to a topic.

Data vs. Information

Data may or may not be useful on the flip side; information is always useful.

Data vs. Information

Data alone has no importance while information is itself significant.

Data vs. Information

Data is not designed according to the needs of the user. On the other hand, information is always designed according to the requirements and expectations of the user after the removal of all the irrelevant facts and figures during the transformation process.

Data vs. Information

The score of each student in a test is one piece of data whereas, the average score of a specific class or the whole school is an example of information that can be obtained from the given data.

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Data vs. Information

Data indicates the statistics or facts collected by the researcher for analysis in their original form. But, when this data is processed and transformed in a way that is useful for the users, it is called ‘information.’

Data vs. Information

Data is an unsystematic detail about something whereas; information is a systematic form of data.

Data vs. Information

Data includes qualitative or quantitative variables which take part in developing ideas or conclusions. On the other hand, information is a collection of data which brings news and meaning.

Data vs. Information

Data never depends upon the information. On the flip side, information depends upon data.

Data vs. Information

Data is not specific to anything and may or may not be a useful while, information is specific for anything and is always useful.

Datanoun

plural of datum

Informationnoun

Things that are or can be known about a given topic; communicable knowledge of something.

I need some more information about this issue.

Datanoun

Information, especially in a scientific or computational context, or with the implication that it is organized.

The raw information was processed and placed into a database so the data could be accessed more quickly.

Informationnoun

The act of informing or imparting knowledge; notification.

For your information, I did this because I wanted to.

Datanoun

Recorded observations that are usually presented in a structured format.

Informationnoun

(legal) A statement of criminal activity brought before a judge or magistrate; in the UK, used to inform a magistrate of an offence and request a warrant; in the US, an accusation brought before a judge without a grand jury indictment.

Datanoun

(computing) A representation of facts or ideas in a formalized manner capable of being communicated or manipulated by some process.

Informationnoun

(obsolete) The act of informing against someone, passing on incriminating knowledge; accusation.

Datanoun

(mobile telephony) Digital information such as images or web pages transmitted using the cellular telephone network rather than wifi.

run out of data

Informationnoun

The systematic imparting of knowledge; education, training.

Datanoun

a collection of facts from which conclusions may be drawn;

statistical data

Informationnoun

The creation of form; the imparting of a given quality or characteristic; forming, animation.

Informationnoun

(computing) […] the meaning that a human assigns to data by means of the known conventions used in its representation.

Informationnoun

(Christianity) Divine inspiration.

Informationnoun

A service provided by telephone which provides listed telephone numbers of a subscriber.

Informationnoun

(information theory) Any unambiguous abstract data, the smallest possible unit being the bit.

Informationnoun

As contrasted with data, information is processed to extract relevant data.

Informationnoun

(information technology) Any ordered sequence of symbols (or signals) (that could contain a message).

Informationnoun

a message received and understood

Informationnoun

a collection of facts from which conclusions may be drawn;

statistical data

Informationnoun

knowledge acquired through study or experience or instruction

Informationnoun

(communication theory) a numerical measure of the uncertainty of an outcome;

the signal contained thousands of bits of information

Informationnoun

formal accusation of a crime

Comparison Chart

DataInformation
The facts and statistics that are collected for reference or analysis are known as data.Facts about something that are obtained after processing the data are known as information.
Etymology
The word ‘Data’ is derived from a Latin word ‘datum,’ which means "To give something."The word ‘information’ was discovered from the Latin word ‘informare,’ which means ‘give form to.’
Based on
Data based on records and observations.Information based on the analysis.
Format
Data is in the form of letters, numbers, or a set of characters.Information based on ideas and inferences.
Representation
It can be represented in the form of tabular data, data tree, and graph, etc.Information is represented in the form of language, thoughts, and ideas based on the given data.
Form of Data
Data is an unorganized form.Information is an organized form of data.
Depandance
Data never depends upon the information.Information depends upon data.
Specificity
Data is not specific to anything.Information is specific to a topic.
Usefulness
Data may or may not be useful.Information is always useful.
Significance
Data alone has no importance.Information is itself significant.
Design
Data is not designed according to the needs of the user.Information is always designed according to the requirements and expectations of the user after the removal of all the irrelevant facts and figures during the transformation process.
Example
The score of each student in a test is one piece of data.The average score of a specific class or the whole school is an example of information that can be obtained from the given data.

What is Data?

The word ‘Data’ is derived from a Latin word ‘datum,’ which stands for “To give something.” Data is an unorganized and raw fact that is needed to be processed to make it meaningful. Generally, it is comprised of facts, observations, numbers, characters, perceptions, symbols, and image, etc. It may or may not be useful and can be represented in the form of tabular data, data tree, and graph, etc. The score of each student in a test is an example of data.

What is Information?

The word ‘information’ was discovered from the Latin word ‘informare,’ which means ‘give form to.’ It is described as a processed, organized, specific and structured form of data. Raw data is not at all as useful as information. It is cleaned and refined through purposeful intelligence to convert it into information. So, data is manipulated through analysis, tabulation, and similar other methods which enhance the interpretation and explanation. When the data is converted into information, it is free from immaterial things and unnecessary details. Thus it ensures understandability and reduces uncertainty. The average score of a specific class or the whole school is an example of information that can be obtained from the given data.

Conclusion

Above discussion summarizes that data is the collection of raw, unprocessed, and unorganized facts that has no importance for a researcher. On the other hand, the processing of data in an organized and refined form that is useful for a researcher is known as information.