Data dictionary
A column-by-column reference for one system: each field's type, allowed values and local definition.
Also called: source data dictionary
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.
Example
| Column | Type | Definition | Allowed values |
|---|---|---|---|
OUTSTANDING_BAL_AMT |
DECIMAL(18,2) | Unpaid principal, USD | ≥ 0 |
LOAN_STAT_CD |
CHAR(2) | Loan status | AC active, CL closed, CO charged off |
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.