{
  "id": "dwd_6prph2yy",
  "type": "term",
  "slug": "data-dictionary",
  "title": "Data dictionary",
  "summary": "A column-by-column reference for one system: each field's type, allowed values and local definition.",
  "status": "draft",
  "classification": "public",
  "authors": [
    {
      "name": "Shan Umasankar",
      "url": "https://dealwithdata.com",
      "role": "author"
    }
  ],
  "assisted_by": [
    "Claude"
  ],
  "scales": [
    "personal",
    "business",
    "enterprise"
  ],
  "synonyms": [
    "source data dictionary"
  ],
  "broader": [
    "dwd_gubdecks"
  ],
  "related": [
    "dwd_wg5zzqg2"
  ],
  "created": "2026-10-07",
  "updated": "2026-10-07",
  "version": 1,
  "url": "https://dealwithdata.com/glossary/data-dictionary/",
  "markdown_url": "https://dealwithdata.com/glossary/data-dictionary.md",
  "body_markdown": "A data dictionary documents a single source system from its own point of view: every table and field, its type, its allowed values, and what it means *in that system*.\n\n**Example**\n\n| Column | Type | Definition | Allowed values |\n|---|---|---|---|\n| `OUTSTANDING_BAL_AMT` | DECIMAL(18,2) | Unpaid principal, USD | \u2265 0 |\n| `LOAN_STAT_CD` | CHAR(2) | Loan status | `AC` active, `CL` closed, `CO` charged off |\n\n**Not to be confused with** a [[business-glossary]], which defines terms for the whole enterprise. Linking dictionary entries to glossary terms is the business-to-technical mapping.\n"
}