What is a data pipeline?

A data pipeline is fundamentally a series of data processing steps that systematically collects, cleans, transforms, and prepares data for analysis. This process is essential in the realm of data analytics, as it ensures that raw data is converted into a usable format. A data pipeline typically includes various stages such as data ingestion, where data is gathered from various sources; data cleaning, which addresses inaccuracies, duplicates, and missing values; and transformation, which formats the data appropriately for analysis.

Having a well-structured data pipeline is critical for organizations that rely on data-driven decision-making, as it facilitates efficient processing and ensures that high-quality data is available for analysis. This definition aligns directly with the correct choice, highlighting the importance of systematic steps in data handling rather than focusing on aspects like storage, visualization, or human resources.