Java – the difference between information and data

datainformationjava

From "Demystifying Java"..

For many of us, the terms information and data are synonymous. However, information and data are distinctly different in programming. Data is the smallest amount of meaningful information.

Can someone please give me an example that could help me out, and perhaps relate to a 14 year old? I sort of understand, but when I try to separate the two in my head, I'm having problems for some reason (probably thinking of them as the same for my whole life is the reason for this).

Best Answer

it helps to see a wider part of the spectrum:

  • data
  • information
  • knowledge
  • wisdom

You can say that 'data' is the most raw form; maybe an amorphous mass of numbers, or a huge table without enough context. Information is something useful for a purpose, data applied in a context that makes it usable for somebody, or to a process. Knowledge is in the realm of intelligence and understanding. Wisdom is.... well, it knows what it is.

(BTW, I concur with the other answers in that it's totally unrelated to programming)

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