What is the primary role of a centralized Data Dictionary?

The primary role of a centralized Data Dictionary is to document data usage and relationships in a database system. A Data Dictionary serves as a repository that contains metadata, which is essential information about the data elements within a system. This includes details such as data types, structures, formats, and constraints, as well as how different pieces of data are related to one another.

By providing a comprehensive overview of the data within a database, a Data Dictionary helps ensure consistency, accuracy, and integrity of the data being used across various applications and processes. This is especially important in environments with multiple users or applications that depend on the same data, as it helps prevent misunderstandings and errors related to data interpretation and usage.

While managing application security settings, providing an overview of system users, and maintaining system performance logs are all important functions in information systems, they do not align with the core purpose of a centralized Data Dictionary, which is focused specifically on documenting and managing data elements and their interrelationships.