Data mining is the process of using computing power to extract hidden patterns from data, analysing the results from different perspectives and summarising it into a useful format, such as a graph or table. This process is often facilitated by the use of metadata. It is important that any patterns found are verified and validated by comparison with other data samples. In this way, data mining can identify trends that go beyond simple data analysis.

The term 'data mining' can apply to both knowledge discovery and prediction. Knowledge discovery provides explicit information about the characteristics of the collected data; forecasting and predictive modelling provide predictions of future events.

Related methods include: Collocating and Text mining.