In data warehousing terminology, what is meant by transient data (as opposed to periodic, history-preserving data)?

Introduction / Context:
Data warehouses must decide how to manage history. Two common approaches are transient data (overwrites) and periodic (history-preserving) data. Knowing the difference affects auditability, trend analysis, and storage planning.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The term refers to how updates are handled.
• We contrast overwrite behavior with version-preserving behavior.
• No special techniques like bitemporal modeling are assumed.

Concept / Approach:
Transient data overwrites or removes the prior state on update. Once a change is applied, the previous values are not retained in the target table. In contrast, periodic (history) data preserves prior versions, typically adding new rows with effective dates and leaving old rows intact.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
ETL designs with Type 1 SCD behavior (overwrite) correspond to transient handling; Type 2 SCD (new row) corresponds to periodic/history-preserving.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Option B describes history-preserving behavior.
• Option C/D imply immutability; warehouses often do allow updates/deletes or versioning, depending on design.

Common Pitfalls:
Equating “transient” with “temporary table.” Transient here refers to overwriting prior values rather than a temporary object.

Final Answer:
Data in which changes to existing records cause the previous version of the records to be eliminated