What does the term "data integrity" mean?

Data integrity refers to the accuracy and consistency of data stored within a database. It ensures that the data is reliable and valid, meaning that it accurately represents the real-world scenarios it aims to depict. Maintaining data integrity is crucial because errors or inconsistencies can lead to incorrect conclusions, decisions, and reports.

Data integrity involves various factors, including the use of constraints, validation rules, and structured processes that help preserve the quality of the data. When data integrity is upheld, it enhances the trustworthiness of the information in the database, enabling users to rely on data analyses and outputs.

While tracking changes, managing large volumes, and moving data are important aspects of database management and architecture, they do not define the concept of data integrity itself. Instead, these elements contribute to the overall functionality and usability of a database system but do not directly address the conditions governing the truthfulness and uniformity of the data contained within it.