The Algebra of Data: A Foundation for the Data Economy

There has never been a universal algebra of data. Mathematics has been widely employed by software in many ways: numerical analysis statistics algorithms mathematical modeling and so on but it has never been used to formally define data in all its variety.This changed when mathematical research into data algebra--carried out for Algebraix Data Corporation by one of the authors of this book--matured and was tested in an extensive range of data management data integration and performance optimization contexts. The purpose of this book is to explain that data algebra. The book is undeniably and unashamedly a mathematics text. However realizing that the readership would likely include many software developers and users as well as mathematicians the book is written to be as accessible as possible to anyone with some mathematical skills. As such this is not your grandfathers mathematics text. Between the various set theory assertions expressions and equations flows a narrative that is both surprising and entertaining. The subtitle of the book A Foundation for the Data Economy is not hyperbole. The mathematical definition of data and the various set theoretical operations and functions that can be applied to it provide a new approach to data. It will in time become the natural foundation for the emerging data economy that is already growing swiftly.