A pipeline connects steps such as acquisition, validation, normalization and storage. Each stage has an input and output contract so downstream consumers receive usable records.
Pipelines need visibility into errors and incomplete data. Source changes, duplicate records or failed stages must not silently appear as complete, trustworthy results.
ELI5
A data pipeline is a sequence of steps that turns incoming information into something another system can use. Each step prepares the material for the next.
For example, a job-search service collects postings, standardizes dates, removes duplicate entries and stores the results. If collection fails, it should report the gap rather than claiming there are no new jobs.
Is a pipeline just data collection?
No. Collection is one stage; transformation, validation, storage and delivery may also be involved.
Why monitor pipeline failures?
A failed or incomplete stage can produce misleading downstream results even when later steps appear to run normally.
