What term describes the first-time data that has been received from a data source?

The term that best describes the first-time data received from a data source is typically referred to as "Raw Data." This classification of data represents the unprocessed output collected from various sources without any manipulation or alteration, making it ideal as a foundation for further analysis.

Raw data includes all the primary observations captured as they are, such as sensor readings, log records, or measurements from equipment. This unrefined state allows analysts to apply various processing techniques to derive meaningful insights later on—whether that means filtering, aggregating, or performing calculations.

Other terms like "Original Data," "Input Data," and "Source Data" can sometimes be used interchangeably in certain contexts, but they may imply additional interpretations about the data. "Original Data" can suggest a version of the data that might have been altered in subsequent processing, whereas "Input Data" can refer to data that is actively being fed into a system or application, which may not be in its raw form. Similarly, "Source Data" usually indicates data sourced from a particular origin, but again could encompass processed or unprocessed forms, lessening its precision in this context.

Thus, "Raw Data" more clearly defines the nature of the information being discussed—the initial, unprocessed output from the