Description: Data heterogeneity refers to the presence of data from various sources that may differ in format, structure, or semantics. This variability can include differences in data types, such as text, numbers, images, or unstructured data, as well as in how they are organized and stored. For example, one dataset may be in CSV format, while another may be in a SQL database or a JSON file. Heterogeneity can also manifest in semantics, where the same concept may be represented differently across different sources, complicating data integration and analysis. In the context of ETL (Extract, Transform, Load), data heterogeneity poses a significant challenge, as it requires systems to handle and unify disparate data to provide a coherent and useful view. The ability to manage this heterogeneity is crucial for organizations seeking to derive valuable insights from large volumes of data, as effective integration can lead to better business decisions and greater operational efficiency.
