Data lineage is the tracking and visualization of the flow and transformation of data as it moves through various stages of a data pipeline or system. In simpler terms, it provides a detailed record of the origins, movements, transformations, and destinations of data within an organization’s data infrastructure. This information helps to create a clear and transparent map of how data is sourced, processed, and utilized across different components of a data ecosystem.
Data lineage allows developers to comprehend the journey of data from its source to its final destination. This understanding is crucial for designing, optimizing, and troubleshooting data pipelines. When issues arise in a data pipeline, having a detailed data lineage enables developers to quickly identify the root cause of problems. It facilitates efficient debugging and troubleshooting by providing insights into the sequence of transformations and actions performed on the data. Data lineage helps maintain data quality by enabling developers to trace any anomalies or discrepancies back to their source. It ensures that data transformations are executed correctly and that any inconsistencies can be easily traced and rectified.
