What is a dataset?

A dataset is fundamentally understood as a collection of data organized in a table format, where each column represents a specific variable and each row corresponds to an individual record or data point. This structure allows for easy analysis and retrieval of information, as it systematically categorizes data in a way that can be easily managed and interpreted by various analytical tools or statistical methods.

In this context, each entry in the dataset can be manipulated or queried to derive insights, make predictions, or conduct further analysis, making it a crucial component of data science. The clarity and organization of a dataset facilitate the processing of large volumes of data, making it a foundational aspect of both traditional data analysis and machine learning applications.