This chapter introduces the field of data science. We will begin by defining what data science is and discussing its significance in today's data-driven environment.

You will learn about:

• The core idea behind data science and its main objectives.
• The practical relevance of data science across different sectors.
• The typical responsibilities associated with a data scientist role.
• An overview of the fundamental skills required in the field.
• A brief look at the software and languages commonly used for data science tasks.

By the end of this chapter, you will have a clearer picture of what constitutes data science and the foundational elements involved.