What is Semi-Structured Data?

Semi-structured data refers to a type of data that does not adhere to the strict structure of traditional relational databases, yet it has some level of structure or organization. Unlike structured data found in relational databases, which is organized into tables with predefined schemas, semi-structured data may have irregular or flexible structures. Common examples of semi-structured data formats include JSON (JavaScript Object Notation), XML (Extensible Markup Language), and NoSQL databases. Semi-structured data is particularly useful for scenarios where data needs to be ingested, processed, and analyzed rapidly, and where the schema may evolve over time.