In
database
In computing, a database is an organized collection of data or a type of data store based on the use of a database management system (DBMS), the software that interacts with end users, applications, and the database itself to capture and a ...
s and
computer networking
A computer network is a collection of communicating computers and other devices, such as printers and smart phones. In order to communicate, the computers and devices must be connected by wired media like copper cables, optical fibers, or b ...
data truncation occurs when
data
Data ( , ) are a collection of discrete or continuous values that convey information, describing the quantity, quality, fact, statistics, other basic units of meaning, or simply sequences of symbols that may be further interpreted for ...
or a
data stream
In connection-oriented communication, a data stream is the transmission of a sequence of digitally encoded signals to convey information. Typically, the transmitted symbols are grouped into a series of packets.
Data streaming has become u ...
(such as a
file) is stored in a location too short to hold its entire length.
Data truncation may occur automatically, such as when a long
string
String or strings may refer to:
*String (structure), a long flexible structure made from threads twisted together, which is used to tie, bind, or hang other objects
Arts, entertainment, and media Films
* ''Strings'' (1991 film), a Canadian anim ...
is written to a smaller
buffer
Buffer may refer to:
Science
* Buffer gas, an inert or nonflammable gas
* Buffer solution, a solution used to prevent changes in pH
* Lysis buffer, in cell biology
* Metal ion buffer
* Mineral redox buffer, in geology
Technology and engineeri ...
, or deliberately, when only a portion of the data is wanted.
Depending on what type of
data validation
In computing, data validation or input validation is the process of ensuring data has undergone data cleansing to confirm it has data quality, that is, that it is both correct and useful. It uses routines, often called "validation rules", "valida ...
a program or operating system has, the data may be truncated silently (i.e., without informing the user), or the user may be given an
error message.
For example, sometimes instead of rounding off a numerical value obtained from a calculation, some of the digits might just be removed i.e. truncated
See also
*
*
Data loss
Data loss is an error condition in information systems in which information is destroyed by failures (like failed spindle motors or head crashes on hard drives) or neglect (like mishandling, careless handling or storage under unsuitable conditions) ...
References
Data quality
{{Comp-sci-stub