Term: Data Dictionary

Printer friendly

Glossary Definition

Last Updated: 2009-11-19

Definition:

A data dictionary is a meta-document which identifies and describes the files/tables in a database, including the relationship between these files/tables, as well as the internal structure and content of each. The data dictionary includes a detailed description of the individual data elements (sometimes called variables or fields) within each file/table, including:

• the element name,
  
• a descriptive label of the element,
  
• the type of data contained in the element (i.e.: character, numeric, or date),
  
• the length of the element (how much space is required to store the element),
  
• any formatting applicable to the element,
  
• a detailed definition of the element,
  
• the source of the data element,
  
• the availability of the data element where a database spans multiple years,
  
• a listing of responses or possible values for the element, and
  
• any notes / additional information that assist in describing the element and how it functions within the data set.

The main purpose of a data dictionary is to provide assistance in understanding the data and to allow programmers to develop code to read, manage and extract data into meaningful information.

MCHP has developed an extensive collection of data dictionaries for all the data in its data repository. Data dictionaries are available through the Metadata Repository - Documentation Tool.

Related terms 

• Metadata Repository