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    Flow-alerta.cab

    Data Dictionary

    Data integration & searchData definition inventoryField catalogue
    Editorially reviewed on: 2 sources
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    The short answer · 20 words

    In short

    A data dictionary describes data fields in a structured manner and creates a common basis for use, exchange and testing.

    Flow-alerta.cab (2026): Data Dictionary. https://flow-alerta.cab/en/glossar/data-dictionary. Editorially reviewed on: 10 October 2026.

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    Practical

    Clear field definitions reduce misunderstandings, integration errors and double voting. They support data quality, interface development and familiarization.

    The entry ‘order date’ shall document the type, time zone, source, permitted format, zero rule and technical significance.

    SMEs start with frequently used tables and interfaces. Professional and technical managers examine definitions together and update them when schema changes.

    At a glance

    Core
    A data dictionary contains technical and semantic metadata about fields, tables or interfaces. Possible indications are name, meaning, data type, format, unit, value range, key and relationships. The exact scope depends on the purpose.
    Use
    Clear field definitions reduce misunderstandings, integration errors and double voting. They support data quality, interface development and familiarization.
    Example
    The entry ‘order date’ shall document the type, time zone, source, permitted format, zero rule and technical significance.
    Limits
    Only list column names, forget units and zero meaning, or do not version definitions. A data dictionary does not replace a business glossary or data catalogue.

    Questions about this term

    What is the difference to the Business Glossary?

    The glossary explains technical terms; the dictionary concrete data fields.

    Is it a data catalogue?

    No, a catalogue makes data stocks findable.

    Does each field have to be documented?

    Critical and divided fields first.

    All details and background

    A data dictionary contains technical and semantic metadata about fields, tables or interfaces. Possible indications are name, meaning, data type, format, unit, value range, key and relationships. The exact scope depends on the purpose.

    ELI5 – Explained simply

    It is a reference work that explains what each data field means and what values are allowed there.

    Why it matters in practice

    Clear field definitions reduce misunderstandings, integration errors and double voting. They support data quality, interface development and familiarization.

    Example

    The entry ‘order date’ shall document the type, time zone, source, permitted format, zero rule and technical significance.

    Pitfalls and limits

    • Only list column names, forget units and zero meaning, or do not version definitions. A data dictionary does not replace a business glossary or data catalogue.

    Origin & history

    Data dictionaries were created with database management and standardized data definitions. Modern tools often link them to catalogue, lineage and quality rules.

    Use in mid-sized companies

    • SMEs start with frequently used tables and interfaces. Professional and technical managers examine definitions together and update them when schema changes.

    Related terms

    • Metadata
    • Business glossary
    • Data catalogue
    • Scheme
    • Data Contract

    Matching Flow-alerta service

    AI assistants & automationData governance and documentation: Build field definitions, responsibilities and maintenance processes for central data assets.

    Matching tool / use case

    View use casesdbt documentation or OpenMetadata; Use Case: common definition of all fields of a customer and order interface.

    Sources

    Quellenprüfung: 10.10.2026. Definition und dokumentierte Einordnung abgeglichen; Beispiele beschreiben mögliche Anwendungen.

    Editorially reviewed on:

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