What does the acronym ETL stand for in data processing?

The acronym ETL stands for Extract, Transform, Load, which reflects the three key processes involved in data integration and processing within a data warehouse.

The "Extract" phase is where data is gathered from various sources, which could include databases, CRM systems, or flat files. This process ensures that all relevant data is collected for further processing.

Next, in the "Transform" phase, the extracted data is processed and transformed into a format suitable for analysis. This may involve cleaning the data, applying business rules, or aggregating and enriching it to ensure it meets the needs of the end-users.

Finally, in the "Load" phase, the transformed data is loaded into a target system, such as a data warehouse or a data mart, where it can be accessed for analysis or reporting.

This sequence of processes is critical for successful data warehousing, as it ensures that data is accurately prepared and readily available for analytical purposes.