Metadata

Metadata is data or information about data. It is used to provide information about a file, record, or dataset. Metadata is essential to many areas of computer science, including computer programming, software development, data management, and cybersecurity.

Metadata can include a wide variety of information, such as file name, author, date created and last modified, size, type, and more. It can also include specialized fields that provide further information about a file or database, such as security settings, user tags, or program-specific information.

Metadata is used to manage and organize data. It is critical in many computer-related fields because it allows users to quickly search for and identify needed information. Metadata is also used to control access to data and to limit which users have access to what information.

Metadata can be stored in various forms, such as text files or databases. It is often stored within a file or database structure along with other information. However, it can also be stored in a separate file or database, which is often called a data dictionary.

Metadata is a crucial part of many computer-related activities and helps to ensure that users have the information they need to make informed decisions or safely access and manage data. Furthermore, it is a valuable tool for organizing and archiving data and providing an audit trail.