Data Discovery
Data Discovery is a process and set of practices for identifying, understanding, and cataloging data assets within an organization to enable effective data governance, analytics, and compliance. It involves automated scanning, metadata extraction, and classification of data across various sources like databases, data lakes, and cloud storage. The goal is to create a searchable inventory that helps users find relevant data, assess its quality, and understand its lineage and usage.
Developers should learn and use Data Discovery to improve data management in projects involving big data, analytics, or regulatory compliance, as it reduces time spent searching for data and mitigates risks like data breaches. It is essential in scenarios such as building data catalogs, implementing data governance frameworks, or preparing for audits like GDPR or HIPAA, where understanding data flow and sensitivity is critical.