Which of the following best describes data ingestion?

Data ingestion refers specifically to the process of collecting and importing data from various sources for further analysis. This can include pulling data from databases, applications, file systems, and external data streams. The core function of data ingestion is to gather data so it can be stored, processed, and analyzed, facilitating insights and decision-making.

This process is essential in a data pipeline, where raw data is transformed into usable formats. Proper ingestion enables organizations to handle vast amounts of data efficiently, ensuring they can make timely and informative decisions based on the most relevant information.

In contrast, the other options focus on different aspects of data handling. For instance, analyzing data trends involves interpreting the ingested data rather than the act of collecting it. Preparing and processing data are crucial stages that follow ingestion but do not encompass the actual collection process. Data storage management deals with how stored data is organized and maintained, which is also distinct from the ingestion process itself.