Explain why it is important to worry about the way data is entered into a database

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

By ensuring your data is consistent and accurate, you are enhancing the usability of the data. The quality of data that is entered into your database will determine the quality of data that displays in your query datasets. The GIGO principle[md]which stands for "Garbage In, Garbage Out"[md]means that inconsistent or inaccurate data leads to an inconsistent or inaccurate output. Humans aren't perfect when it comes to data entry. Thus, database designers have to place constraints[md]rules[md]on the data to prevent GIGO errors.
The quality of the information you produce solely depends on the quality of data entered into your database. For example, you may want to query all customers who live in Pennsylvania. If you didn't restrict the amount of data permitted in the State field or create an input mask to assist in data entry, users could enter the 2-character abbreviation or completely spell out the state name. Once you have multiple versions of the state name within the State field, you run the risk of not returning all the customers who reside in a given state, such as Pennsylvania, in your query dataset. This can lead to poor decision making, which is never a goal in the business world.