Data serves as the fundamental input for any analysis. Before you can process or analyze information, it's necessary to understand its different forms and how it is organized.

This chapter focuses on these core data concepts. You will learn:

• The distinction between structured data (like tables in a spreadsheet) and unstructured data (like text documents or images).
• How to differentiate between quantitative (numerical) and qualitative (descriptive) data types.
• Common formats used to store and exchange data, such as CSV and JSON.
• The meaning of terms like 'attributes' and 'features' as they relate to datasets.
• The concept of metadata, which provides information about the data itself.

Grasping these fundamentals is the next step in preparing to handle and analyze data effectively.