smalldata
Smalldata is a term used in data analysis to describe datasets small enough to be explored and analyzed with standard statistical tools and modest computing resources. It is often contrasted with big data, which requires distributed processing and large-scale infrastructure. In practice, smalldata emphasizes data that can be loaded into memory, examined interactively, and subjected to transparent, reproducible analysis. The concept is used in research, business analytics, and product development to prioritize depth, data quality, and rapid insight over sheer volume.
Smalldata typically involves structured or semi-structured data that can be cleaned, joined, and summarized with familiar
Limitations include limited generalizability due to small samples, potential sampling bias, and reduced power to detect
Common tools include spreadsheet programs, R or Python with lightweight libraries, and SQL for simple queries.