What is the primary characteristic of semi-structured data?

Semi-structured data is defined by its unique blend of both structured and unstructured characteristics. The primary trait of semi-structured data is that it contains some organizational properties, which distinguishes it from completely unorganized types of data. This organization might include tags, labels, or other markers that provide a certain level of structure without adhering to a rigid framework.

For instance, data formats like JSON and XML exemplify semi-structured data because they allow for an identifiable structure in the way data is organized (with key-value pairs or nested elements), yet they do not fit into the strict schemas typical of fully structured data (like relational databases). This flexibility is what makes semi-structured data useful in various applications, particularly in scenarios where data can be somewhat varied and still require some level of consistent organization for processing and analysis.

In summary, the characteristic that captures the essence of semi-structured data is its possession of some organizational properties, enabling it to offer a balance between flexibility and structure.