Data integration refers to the process of combining data from different sources into a unified, coherent view, enabling seamless data flow across heterogeneous systems. It encompasses techniques such as ETL/ELT pipelines, data virtualization, API-based integration, and change data capture (CDC). Data integration platforms help organizations break down data silos, ensuring consistent and reliable data for analytics, reporting, and business intelligence. Representative tools include Apache NiFi, Talend, Informatica, Fivetran, and Airbyte.
