science

Golden record (informatics)

Golden record (informatics) is a science topic covered in the lgStudy science library. This page brings together a partial reference excerpt, illustrations, worked examples, real-world applications and a short study plan, so you can understand Golden record (informatics) rather than just read about it. In short: In informatics, a golden record is the valid version of a data element (record) in a single source of truth system. It may refer to a database, specific table or data field, or any unit of information used.

Key takeaways

Golden record (informatics) belongs to science; place it in that map before memorising details.
Learn the definition first, then one example that makes the definition concrete.
Connect Golden record (informatics) to a quantity you can measure, compute or draw — that is where exam questions come from.
Reproduce the core statement of Golden record (informatics) from memory before moving on to harder problems.

Reference excerpt

In informatics, a golden record is the valid version of a data element (record) in a single source of truth system. It may refer to a database, specific table or data field, or any unit of information used. A golden copy is a consolidated data set, and is supposed to provide a single source of truth and a "well-defined version of all the data entities in an organizational ecosystem". Other names sometimes used include master source or master version. The term has been used in conjunction with data quality, master data management, and similar topics. (Different technical solutions exist, see master data management).

Master data In master data management (MDM), the golden copy refers to the master data (master version) of the reference data which works as an authoritative source for the "truth" for all applications in a given IT landscape.

See also Single source of truth Single version of the truth

References

Worked examples

Example 1 — a first encounter with Golden record (informatics)

Start with the simplest possible case. Write down what Golden record (informatics) claims or describes in one sentence, then invent the smallest concrete situation in which that sentence is true. In science, the smallest case is usually a single object, a single equation or a single measurement. Check that every symbol or term in your sentence has a meaning in that case.

Example 2 — changing one variable

Take the situation from Example 1 and change exactly one quantity: double it, halve it, or set it to zero. Predict what should happen to Golden record (informatics) before you calculate. Comparing your prediction with the result is the fastest way to find out whether you understand the idea or only the words.

Example 3 — an exam-style question

Typical questions about Golden record (informatics) ask you to (a) state it precisely, (b) apply it to given data, and (c) explain a limitation. Practise writing all three answers in under five minutes; the third part is what separates a full-mark answer from an average one.

Applications of Golden record (informatics)

In research: Golden record (informatics) appears in science research whenever the underlying quantities have to be modelled precisely. Papers usually cite it as a starting assumption and then explore where it breaks down.
In technology and industry: Engineering practice reuses Golden record (informatics) in design rules, simulations and safety margins. Knowing the idea lets you read a specification sheet and understand why the numbers look the way they do.
In the classroom: Golden record (informatics) is common in secondary-school and first-year university syllabi. It links to neighbouring topics Data management, Data modeling, Data quality, so understanding it makes those chapters shorter.
In everyday life: Look for Golden record (informatics) outside the textbook — in sport, cooking, traffic, electronics or the sky above you. An example you found yourself is remembered far longer than one you were given.

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How to study Golden record (informatics) in 20 minutes

Read the reference excerpt below once, without taking notes.
Close the page and write down what Golden record (informatics) means in your own words.
Compare your version with the excerpt and mark what you missed.
Work through the three examples above with pen and paper.
Explain Golden record (informatics) out loud to somebody else — or to Teacher Smith in the lgStudy chat.

Frequently asked questions

What is Golden record (informatics) in simple terms?

Why does Golden record (informatics) matter?

Because it connects several science ideas at once: it gives you a definition you can apply, a quantity you can calculate, and a way to check whether a result is plausible.

How should I study Golden record (informatics)?

Read the excerpt, restate it from memory, then work through the examples and applications listed on this page. The five-step study plan above takes about twenty minutes.

What does this page cover?

It gives you a compact reference excerpt plus original lgStudy explanations, examples, applications and study material on Golden record (informatics).