What do you mean by data?

Data refers to raw facts, figures, or symbols collected from various sources that represent information in its most basic form. It can be numbers, text, images, sounds, or any other measurable element. Data itself may not hold meaning until it is processed, organized, or interpreted. For example, a list of numbers showing daily temperatures is data; when analyzed, it becomes information about weather patterns. 

Data is the foundation of knowledge creation because it serves as the input for analysis, computation, and decision-making. It can be qualitative (descriptive) or quantitative (numerical). In everyday use, data helps in understanding trends, behaviors, and outcomes. In digital systems, data is stored, transmitted, and processed through devices like computers or servers. 

The concept of data underpins all modern technology, from social media analytics to scientific research. It allows systems to learn, adapt, and improve. Thus, data is the essential raw material upon which meaningful insights and information are built. Without data, no logical or analytical conclusion could be drawn in science, business, or computing.