Data processing is the essential step of converting raw data into meaningful, structured information that drives informed decision-making. It involves collecting, validating, transforming, and analyzing data to ensure accuracy, consistency, and usability. With the rise of big data, businesses must process massive volumes of information quickly and efficiently to stay competitive. Data processing methods range from batch processing, where large datasets are handled in scheduled cycles, to real-time processing, which allows instant insights from continuously streaming data. Cloud computing and distributed processing frameworks like Apache Hadoop and Spark have revolutionized how organizations handle large-scale data efficiently.