Big data refers to large, complex data sets that are difficult to analyze using traditional data processing applications. It is characterized by high volume, velocity, and variety of data that require new forms of processing to enable enhanced decision making, insights, and process automation. The challenges with big data include extracting useful information and insights from large amounts of noisy, unstructured data generated at high speeds from a variety of sources. Developers must learn to identify meaningful signals and patterns in data despite the presence of noise. As more human activities and conversations become digitized, there are opportunities to gain unexpected insights by monitoring and analyzing human data at large scales. However, organizations must first understand their existing data before attempting to extract value from it at large scales.