A brief overview of some terms relating to data and health

Machine learning (ML) is a type of technology that allows computers to learn and improve from experience without being explicitly programmed. Instead of giving the computer step-by-step instructions, we provide it with data and let it figure out patterns or solutions on its own. A machine learning system uses examples (data) to understand and predict outcomes or make decisions. An everyday example is recommendation systems like Netflix suggesting movies.

Mature data refers to data that is well-organized, reliable, and ready to be used effectively for decision-making or analysis. It means the data has been properly managed over time and meets key quality standards, making it trustworthy and valuable.

Metadata is "data about the data". In other words, metadata is information that describes other data, helping to explain what it is, how it can be used, and where to find it. Metadata provides valuable information but needs to be properly managed, to avoid losing its benefits. Metadata gives the ability to manage and use data effectively.