Basic properties of information

Information, like any object, has some properties. Such properties of information in computer science are divided into several categories. Let's consider their basic them.

Attributive properties of information are such properties, without which data can not exist. First, it is the continuity of data from their physical media, as well as the linguistic nature of the information. An important area of informatics is the study of a variety of information carriers and languages, as well as the development of new, more modern and sophisticated ones. However, the information is mostly not associated with any particular carrier, or with a specific language.

Another attribute of attributive character is discreteness. Information, data, knowledge, messages that are contained in the information are discrete. Thus, they characterize the actual data, patterns of objects of study, which are distributed in the form of messages consisting of a number, a letter, a sign or a symbol. Also, the information has the property of continuity, that is, it merges with other data that has been accumulated and recorded earlier. This contributes to the progressive development.

Pragmatic properties of information are properties that characterize how useful it is to the user. They are manifested specifically in the process of using information in theory and practice. Novelty and meaning mean moving data in a variety of social communications. The value of information is a rather ambiguous concept, as it can be different for different consumers. There are two values of value - value and importance. Valuable information must simultaneously be complete, reliable, new, useful. However, it should be noted that often the pursuit of reliability and completeness leads to the fact that the data become obsolete and become completely useless. The property of cumulative characterizes the possibility of storing and accumulating information. A property of completeness determines the degree of correspondence of the information that was obtained to its true value.

Accessibility determines the measure of the possibility of obtaining information. Accessibility is also affected by the availability of adequate methods for interpreting data. Actuality expresses the degree of correspondence of information to a given moment in time. This is materiality, importance at the present time.

The irrelevant is called insignificant, unnecessary, or outdated information. When working in conditions that constantly change, it is important to have the actual data, that is, those that correspond to reality. Important information properties such as subjectivity and objectivity are also important.

Information is called objective, if it does not depend on someone's judgment or opinion. The concept of objectivity is relatively relative, given that any methods are in fact subjective. Based on this, more information is considered more objective, in which all methods make the most minimal subjective element.

Dynamic properties of information characterize the changes in data over time. The concept of information growth shows the movement of data in information communications. The property of aging suggests that any information is subject to some influence of time. Also distinguish such properties as clarity, ergonomics, security, integrity, safety. Consistency is raised by the consistency and relevance of data, their protection from unauthorized change and destruction. This term implies how much data is not distorted by accidental failures, interference and equipment failures.