What is the key difference between embed and link in data management?

The key difference between embedding and linking in data management lies in how data is utilized and stored within a document or application. When data is embedded, it involves making a copy of the data and incorporating it directly into the document itself. This means that the data is self-contained; even if the source data changes, the embedded data remains static and does not reflect the updates.

On the other hand, when data is linked, it establishes a connection to the external source where the original data resides. This means that the document refers to the data without storing it internally. If the external data changes, the linked document reflects those updates automatically.

This distinction highlights the distinct purposes and implications of using either a method in data management, impacting how data integrity, storage, and updates are handled. In summary, embedding creates a standalone copy of the data, making it fixed within the host document, while linking keeps the flexibility to reference external sources, automatically updating as needed.