What does data transformation refer to in data processing?

Data transformation in data processing specifically pertains to converting data from one format or structure to another. This process is essential in preparing data for analysis or integration into different systems, ensuring compatibility and usability across various platforms and applications.

For instance, when you take raw data from a source like a CSV file and change it into a structured format like a database table, you are performing data transformation. This may also involve changing data types (such as converting text to numbers), aggregating data, or normalizing it to meet specific data standards or requirements.

The other options represent important aspects of data management but do not encapsulate the specific definition of data transformation. Data cleaning addresses the removal of errors and duplicates, analysis focuses on deriving insights from data, and visualization deals with presenting data in a graphical manner. Each of these processes plays a role in the broader scope of data handling, yet they do not specifically define the conversion aspect that is central to data transformation.