> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://www.csprinciples.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://www.csprinciples.com/big-idea-2/2.4-using-programs-with-data.md). # 2.4 Using Programs with Data ## Enduring Understanding Programs can be used to process data, which allows users to discover information and create new knowledge. ## Learning Objective Extract information from data using a program. ## Essential Knowledge Programs can be used to process data to acquire information. Tables, diagrams, text, and other visual tools can be used to communicate insight and knowledge gained from data. Search tools are useful for efficiently finding information. Data filtering systems are important tools for finding information and recognizing patterns in data. Programs such as spreadsheets help efficiently organize and find trends in information. Some processes that can be used to extract or modify information from data include the following: * transforming every element of a data set, such as doubling every element in a list, or adding a parent’s email to every student record * filtering a data set, such as keeping only the positive numbers from a list, or keeping only students who signed up for band from a record of all the students * combining or comparing data in some way, such as adding up a list of numbers, or finding the student who has the highest GPA * visualizing a data set through a chart, graph, or other visual representation ## Learning Objective Explain how programs can be used to gain insight and knowledge from data.  ## Essential Knowledge Programs are used in an iterative and interactive way when processing information to allow users to gain insight and knowledge about data. Programmers can use programs to filter and clean digital data, thereby gaining insight and knowledge. Combining data sources, clustering data, and classifying data are parts of the process of using programs to gain insight and knowledge from data. Insight and knowledge can be obtained from translating and transforming digitally represented information. Patterns can emerge when data are transformed using programs. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters: ``` GET https://www.csprinciples.com/big-idea-2/2.4-using-programs-with-data.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.