Concept:
In data analysis, information is often stored in multiple datasets or tables. To perform meaningful analysis, these datasets may need to be combined.
Definition:
Data Merging is the process of combining two or more datasets into a single dataset based on a common key or related field.
Explanation:
It is commonly used in databases, spreadsheets, and data analysis tools.
Merging helps integrate related information from different sources.
It is often performed using common identifiers such as ID, name, or date.
Scenario Where Data Merging is Required:
Suppose a school has:
One table containing student details (Name, Roll No.)
Another table containing marks (Roll No., Marks)
To generate a report showing both names and marks together, the two tables must be merged using Roll No. as the common key.
Other Common Use Cases:
Combining sales and customer data
Joining survey results with demographic data
Integrating data from multiple departments
Conclusion:
Data merging is an essential data preparation step that combines related datasets into a unified view, enabling more comprehensive analysis and reporting.