Description: The term ‘EXTERNAL’ in the context of database management refers to data or resources that are outside the database system. This includes information that is not stored directly in the database but may be relevant for data operations and analysis. External data can come from various sources, such as text files, spreadsheets, web services, APIs, or databases from other systems. Integrating this external data is crucial for obtaining a more complete and accurate view of information, allowing organizations to make more informed decisions. Additionally, access to external data can enrich analyses and reports, providing additional context that is not found in internal data. Managing external data involves challenges, such as the need to ensure data quality and consistency, as well as integrating different formats and structures. Therefore, it is essential to have appropriate tools and techniques to effectively handle this data, ensuring that it can be efficiently utilized within the broader context of database management systems.
