The terms **Data Analysis** and **Data Analytics** are often used interchangeably, including in this course. However it is important to note that there is a subtle difference between the terms and meaning of the words _Analysis_ and _Analytics_. In fact some people go far as saying that these terms mean different things and should not be used interchangeably. Yes, there is a technical difference... The dictionary meanings are: Analysis - _detailed examination of the elements or structure of something_ Analytics - _the systematic computational analysis of data or statistics_ _Analysis_ can be done without numbers or data, such as business analysis psycho analysis, etc. Whereas _Analytics_, even when used without the prefix "Data", almost invariably implies use of data for perfoming numerical manipulation and inference. Some experts even say that _Data Analysis_ is based on inferences based on historical data whereas _Data Analytics_ is for predicting future performance. The design team of this course does not subscribe to this view, and you will see why later in the course as you become familiar with the terms like _predictive analytics, prescriptive analytics, etc_. So in this course we take a more liberal view, and use the terms Data Analysis and Data Analytics to mean the same thing. For example, an earlier video is titled _Defining Data Analysis_, whereas the preceeding video with the viewpoints of several data professionals is titled _What is Data Analytics_. The difference in these titles is not intentional. from Introduction to Data Analytics IBM Module 1 Data Analytics vs. Data Analysis