What is Data Dictionary and what are the Functions of Data Dictionary?

Data Dictionary acts as an automated or a manual, active or a passive file which has the ability to store the definitions of the data elements and the data characteristics. The Data Dictionary is actually the repository of the information about the data. Data Dictionary defines each of the data elements and also gives it a name for the easy access.

Data Dictionary acts as the core or the hub of the database management system, is the third component of the database management system. The Data Dictionary provides with the following information –
1. The name of the data item.
2. The description of the data item.
3. The sources of the data.
4. The impact analysis.
5. Keywords that are used for the categorization and the search of the data item descriptions.

Functions of the Data Dictionary
1. Defines the data element.
2. Helps in the scheduling.
3. Helps in the control.
4. Permits the various users who know which data is available and how can it be obtained.
5. Helps in the identification of the organizational data irregularity.
6. Acts as a very essential data management tool.
7. Provides with a good standardization mechanism.
8. Acts as the corporate glossary of the ever growing information resource.
9. Provides the report facility, the control facility along with the excerpt facility.