TAB2TAB3

TAB2TAB3 is a conceptual framework for transforming tabular data through two sequential stages, referred to as TAB2 and TAB3. It is used in data engineering discussions as a generic model for organizing two-phase transformations; it is not a formal standard or universally implemented protocol.

TAB2 handles extraction, normalization, and initial structuring of source data. It maps diverse input schemas into a canonical intermediate representation, performing type coercion and basic validation to ensure consistent downstream processing.

TAB3 completes the process by performing aggregation, enrichment, and final shaping to a target schema. Operations may include grouping, pivoting, joining with reference data, and computing derived metrics. TAB3 emphasizes producing analytics-ready tables.

Architecturally, TAB2TAB3 favors modularity: separate adapters for sources, a common intermediate model, and pluggable TAB3 processors. This separation supports reuse across datasets and simplifies schema evolution, though it may introduce transformation overhead and latency.

Common use cases include data warehousing, reporting pipelines, and business intelligence workflows. Limitations include potential complexity, drift between stages if not versioned, and the need for careful governance to preserve data lineage and auditability. The term TAB2TAB3 does not refer to a specific product; it is a generic label used in discussions about two-stage tabular data processing. See also ETL, ELT, data transformation, and schema evolution.