Final answer:
Metadata refers to data that describe other data, providing descriptive information for efficient organization and retrieval of digital files.
Step-by-step explanation:
Metadata refers to data that describes other data. It provides information about the characteristics of a specific data set, such as the size, format, type, and how it is organized or structured. In the context of digital files, metadata can include details such as the author, creation date, location, and keywords associated with the file.
For example, in a digital photograph, metadata might include information about the camera settings, exposure time, focal length, and GPS coordinates where the photo was taken. In a music file, metadata could include the artist, album, track number, and genre. Metadata is commonly used to help organize, search, and manage large collections of digital files.
In summary, metadata are data that provide descriptive information about other data, enabling efficient organization and retrieval of digital files.