Metadata - GCSE Computer Science Definition

Metadata is information about other data that helps describe, organise, and manage it. Imagine a book in a library: the title, author, and number of pages are all examples of metadata. In the digital world, when we take a photo, the metadata might include details like the date it was taken, the camera settings, and even the location. Metadata is important because it makes it easier to find, use, and organise data without having to open or read through it all first. It serves as a guide, providing essential details that help computers and people understand what the data is and how it can be used.