Look around you: all that surrounds us are physical bodies or fields. We already know that the former are in constant change, movement. All these processes generate energy, which all the time passes from one form to another. As a result, energy produces a signal. Based on the foregoing, we can confidently say that any signals are basically material in nature.
If this signal interacts with the physical body and is registered by it, then this process can be interpreted differently as follows: various types of data are recorded by the physical body. What do we have in the end? Definition of data. Regardless of what kind of data it is, they are all registered signals.
Data operations
We have already mentioned the fact that data can be transformed into various forms, this process is called informational, and it occurs using various methods. But before you formulate the main types of data processing, you need to know that they include many operations, such as:
- Collection.
- Formatting
- Filtration.
- Sorting.
- Archiving
- Conversion.
- Protection.
- Transportation.
Now a couple of lines about each operation. All types of data are initially collected, which allows you to accumulate the necessary information for decision making. Speaking of formatting, they mean the conversion of several types of incoming data to a single form, this process makes it more accessible. As you might guess, the filtering function provides the screening of insignificant information. Sorting refers to ordering for ease of use. Archiving allows you to accumulate a large amount of data, while not incurring significant economic costs. All information has an accessible form. Conversion is the process of converting information from one type to another. Protection helps prevent loss, and represents a whole range of measures. Transportation allows you to transfer the necessary information between remote locations.
Classification of information by type and type
Absolutely all the main types of data are divided into two fairly large groups:
From the course of mathematics, we know the value of these types of data. The first is any information that tends to change. Constants are data that does not change; they are constant.
Information is also divided into the following types:
The latter include data presented in the form of sound, graphic and other signals. Based on the type of information, it is also divided into types:
- Byte
- Numerical.
- Date and time.
- Logical information.
- An object.
Coding. Binary code
So, we examined the main types of simple data, listed the types, identified the basic operations that can be used. Now we will get acquainted with one of the coding methods. Let's see how some types of data can be converted to binary code. First, let's figure out what binary code is. Go!
As you might guess, this method helps to transform information, that is, present it in the form of code. Why is it called binary? The fact is that such a code can contain only two digits - 0 and 1, which are in different combinations.
We have already mentioned that information can be of various types, and for automation of work with the received data it is necessary to convert it into a single form. The binary coding technique is used in computing. Moreover, each binary digit (0 or 1) represents one bit.
Our calculations will be simple: with the help of 2 bits we can write down four concepts at once, with three digits - eight and so on. There is a special formula that allows you not to list possible options in the head, since this is a very time-consuming task, and sometimes even impossible. It looks like this: N = 2 ^ m. There are two variables in this formula: N is the number of possible combinations, and m is the number of bits, that is, how many binary digits we use.
Data structure
As we know from personal experience, it is easier to work with any data if it is systematized. There are only a few options for organizing information, that is, types of structures:
- Linear
- Tabular.
- Hierarchical.
When we try to systematize the data, we are faced with two main problems: how to correctly divide the information and how then to find what we need.
Now a couple of lines about each type of structure. The first in our list is linear and it occupies this place for a reason. It is the most common list known to all of us, where each entry has its own specific number.
Next is the tabular form. How to find the necessary information here? Each cell has its own address, consisting of two elements (letters, numbers or a combination thereof). Note that tables can be both two- and multidimensional. Both the first and second types of structures are easy to use: all you need is to know the code for the information you need. However, there are also difficulties in terms of change. If you add an element to the list or table, you will need to change the codes of all cells.
The hierarchical structure is applied when the first two types cannot be used. But it is easier to work with such a structure; it can be easily corrected or supplemented.
Storage units
The following values are used for data storage: bits, bytes (i.e. 8 bits), kilobytes (1024 bytes), megabytes (1024 KB), gigabytes (1024 MB) and terabytes (1024 GB). This can be stopped, since there is no need for more.