Understanding Data Contracts

A data contract serves as a documented agreement outlining what data is being shared between parties, along with the integrity and usage rules surrounding that data. Key components of a data contract include the schema—detailing the columns, data types, and expected lengths—as well as the business rules that govern how each piece of data should be interpreted and utilized. The conversation highlights the significance of these contracts, emphasizing that they shouldn’t just be technical documents but should also include service level agreements (SLAs) and governance details. This holistic approach enables data consumers to feel confident and assured about the consistency and quality of the data they’re accessing.