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    Question

    What is a key distinction between metadata and primary data in a database context?

    A Metadata is always stored in flat files, while primary data resides in relational databases. Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    B Metadata provides contextual information about primary data, enabling its organization and usability. Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    C Metadata contains raw numerical or textual values for analysis, unlike primary data. Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    D Primary data is more structured compared to metadata. Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    E Metadata and primary data are interchangeable in analytical workflows. Correct Answer Incorrect Answer

    Solution

    In a database, metadata describes the structure, relationships, and attributes of primary data. For instance, in a table containing employee records, primary data includes individual employee details, while metadata includes the table name, column names, data types, and constraints. Metadata improves database usability by ensuring data integrity, enabling efficient queries, and supporting schema evolution. This contextual layer is critical for data-driven organizations to manage and scale their systems effectively. Why Other Options Are Incorrect: • A: Metadata can exist in relational databases (e.g., schema tables), not just flat files. • C: Metadata does not contain raw values but provides descriptive context for primary data. • D: Metadata often describes structured data but is not inherently more or less structured. • E: Metadata and primary data have distinct roles; they cannot be used interchangeably.

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