Glossary · letter E
ETL
Extract, Transform, LoadClassic data architecture pattern
Definition
The classic data flow paradigm: extraction from a source, transformation in an intermediate layer, loading into the target system. ETL dominated the on-premise Data Warehouse era, when transforming before loading was the fastest way to avoid placing load on the target system.
Business application
Classic use case: data from the ERP goes to a staging area, is cleaned and joined with CRM data there, then finally loaded into the warehouse in a form ready for reporting. The process runs every night.