In an ETL process, where is the transformed data stored for future use?

• A. Target database (data warehouse)
• B. Source systems
• C. Real-time operational database
• D. Staging area

Answer: (A)

Transformed data is stored in the target database, typically the data warehouse, for future reporting and analytics. During ETL, data passes through a staging area as an intermediate workspace to hold and reshape data, but this area is temporary and not the long-term store. Source systems contain the original data before ETL, and the real-time operational database keeps current transactions rather than archival, analytics-ready data.