# What is data matching?

Data matching is the process that enables you to find records representing the same entity in a dataset.

## General definition

Data matching enables you to:

* Find duplicates, potential duplicates and non-duplicates in a data source
* Analyze data and return weighted probabilities of matching
* Merge identical or similar entries into a single entry; and
* Reduce disparity across different data sources.

## Record linkage

Record linkage consists of identifying records that refer to the same entity in a dataset.

Two types of data record linkage exist:

* Deterministic record linkage, which is based on identifiers that match; and
* Probabilistic record linkage, which is based on the probability that identifiers match.