Data manipulation is the process of handling data to make it organized and easy to read. It helps computers to interpret information faster and produce better results. But, it is a technical process. You’ll have to use Data Manipulation Language (DML) to make data readable and easier to understand.
The success of an organization today depends on systematic data and reliable information. The end goal is to perform well-structured audits and analyses. An ever-increasing flow of data calls for the efficient use of data manipulation tools. Thus, it is critical to take advantage of such tools.
One software tool that poses great significance in data organization and manipulation is Microsoft Excel. It provides functions that can be useful when sorting and looking for relevant data within the sheet. That being said, the functions If-Else and VLOOKUP in excel are the most significant features of the tool.
Understanding Data Manipulation And Its Importance
Data changes how businesses operate. Instead of raw, clustered information packs, you use languages to declutter your databases. Databases are the electronic or digital assemblage of relevant data for computers.
For business activities and productivity, data manipulation is a vital element. You need to turn raw data into valuable information to make the most out of it. You analyze consumer behavior, stats, financial data, and trends.
Data manipulation is useful to any organization in many different ways given below:
1. Projection
Businesses use historical data to project the future and perform a detailed analysis. It has become more important in the financial sector. Data manipulation is beneficial when you have to assess huge amounts of data in less time.
2. Consistency
You may have a consolidated view while fetching data from different sources. But, you can store data in the proper format following data manipulation. This way, data can be better understood and leave a good impression of coherence.
3. Readability
The conversion and deletion are data sources that you’ll have to deal with. You can try newer methods by creating more value by improving data readability. In turn, you’ll get detailed insights to make more effective business decisions.
How can you achieve these targets? By using Data Manipulation Languages.
Data Manipulation Languages
DML is a programming language that enables you to add, remove, or alter databases. You can change the information to make it comprehensive.
3 Data Manipulation Languages:
- Procedural Programming Languages (PPL)
- Declarative Programming Languages (DPL)
- Structured Query Language (SQL)
These languages were primary tools to manipulate available data in the computer programs. It all changed with the emergence of SQL. Now, database administrators take advantage of the interactive use of Data Manipulation Languages.
What is Structured Query Language?
Structured Query Language (SQL) communicates with Database Management Systems (DBMS). The common SQL Data Manipulation Language commands for data manipulation are as follows:
- INSERT Command: Inserts data in any location or moves it.
- UPDATE Command: Commands change the current data.
- DELETE Command: Deletes the unessential or duplicate data from the table.
- SELECT Command: Commands make important selections in the data tables. You might select a few columns or rows to work on.
Data manipulation or organization refers to a framework for changing data. The language it’s written in must be well-organized using SQL. Data turns into meaningful information equipping the business managers.
Examples Of Data Manipulation
We are giving a few examples of data manipulation below.
- You can sort any amount of data (small or large) in alphabetical order. It fastens up the procedure of fetching useful information from a database.
- Website management is another form of data manipulation. Site owners use web server logs to track down the traffic sources. The most viewed pages, the origin of the visitors are sources that help.
- Stockbrokers use data to foresee stock market developments and to check stock performance. They also do data manipulation to predict the latest trends in the stock market.
- Professionals in financial sectors manipulate data to assess expenses, pricing, and taxation.
- Computers, too, perform exceptional data manipulation to view and analyze information. These intelligent machines serve the code-based users with a user-defined software program.
In simple words, data manipulation modifies the existing information and makes it simpler.
How Do You Manipulate Data in Excel?
If you want to manipulate data, you can go ahead by using tools like Vlookup in excel. If you need some training in Excel, here’s a roadmap for you to learn Excel on the best possible way. Following these simple steps will also help big time.
Steps:
- You need to have a database to organize. This database can be newly created or imported from your data sources.
- To cleanse your information, you must know how to reorganize or restructure the data.
- You can merge, delete, or add information by managing data. You aim to make data analysis simple for the users.
Pretty simple, right? We have got some tips for you that will help you manipulate pieces of data.
Handy Tips To Help With Data Manipulation
1. Use Excel formulas and functions
Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division are the common basic Excel math functions. You should know how to use these important tools for better data management. Functions like VLOOKUP in Excel retrieve meaningful data for you.
2. Sort and Filter
You can provide valuable information by using sort and filter options in Excel. It saves users time while analyzing data.
3. Remove Duplicates
The process of data collection and assimilation often involves the duplication of data. Excel’s useful feature of Delete Duplicate can help you get rid of duplicate data entries right away.
4. VLOOKUP in Excel
VLOOKUP in Excel is a robust data tool to use as an Excel Add-on. It searches for the specified value. As a result, you get a matching value from another column into your answer cell. The letter ‘V’ stands for vertical. So this function looks for a value in a vertical column.
5. Use Autofill Tool
Excel offers a very useful tool of autofill when you have to use the same function or formula across many cells. Either retype the formula on and off or drag the cursor downwards to the cell’s lower right corner. You can apply the same formula to more than one row.
6. Column Splitting and Merging
You can add or remove columns in Excel. You’ll need data integration, splitting, or merging several times during data manipulation.
You’ll go through the fun learning courses on Data Manipulation. You’ll also get to learn data manipulation vocabulary. Database administrators can also opt for online jobs of data organization and manipulation.
The Bottom Line
We use data in marketing, accounting, and human resource management for day-to-day tasks. It needs professional skills to manage data to achieve better results. You’ll have to learn Data Manipulation Languages or tools like the VLOOKUP and conditional functions in Excel to make the most of it.
