What is Data Feed or Data Feed File?

What is a Data Feed -or- Data Feed File?

Data feed is basically an electronic file containing rows of "Data". The purpose of having or creating this file is to share it with others, hence the second part of the word "Feed". If you have created an excel spreadsheet then you already have experience with some form of data feed.

What is inside a data feed file?

Text or data formated in rows and columns just like excel spreadsheet but without any styling.

Content and Purpose

To share electronic data between computers. ex: product list from an e-commerce store.

File Structure and Format

Usually CSV (comma separated value) file.

But may also be using the following delimiters:

TAB
PIPE
SPACE

Why do I need a Data Feed?

You need to generate a data feed when another person who you would like share data with request it.

For example, lets say own an e-commerce store and you would like to advertise your products on Google Shopping. When you sign-up on Google Shopping, Google will ask you to upload your product data feed.

How often do I need to generate a fresh data feed?

There is no rule for how often you should generate your data feed.

It depends on how fresh you want your data to be. Or it depends on the requirements of the person you are giving the data to (data feed recipient).