Is data mining the same as data analysis?

Data mining and data analysis are often used interchangeably. However, they are two distinct processes in the field of data science.

• Data mining is the process of uncovering hidden patterns, trends, or relationships in large data sets. It involves various techniques like machine learning and statistics, to find useful information in complex data and support decision-making and planning. This process is also called “knowledge discovery.”
• Data analysis, on the other hand, is a broader term that describes the entire process of inspecting, cleaning, and organizing raw data. The goal is to draw conclusions, make inferences, and support decision-making. Data analysis includes various techniques like descriptive statistics, data mining, hypothesis testing, and regression analysis.

In other words, data mining is one of the techniques used for data analysis when there is a need to uncover hidden patterns and relationships in the data that other methods might miss, while data analysis encompasses a wider range of activities.