View source for What is the difference between public and published datasets

{{DISPLAYTITLE:What is the difference between "public" and "published"?}}
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=== Public Datasets ===

A ''public dataset'' is visible to everyone on the NAN portal, whether or not they are logged in.

* '''For logged-in users:'''
** Select '''All Datasets''' or '''All Public Datasets''' from the navigation bar to view public data.
** Select '''My & Lab Data''' to hide public datasets not owned by you or your lab, allowing for easier focus on your own data.

* '''For users not logged in:'''
** All public datasets are visible by default.
** Selecting '''Knowledgebase Datasets''' filters the view to only public datasets designated as part of the Knowledgebase.

* '''Editability and provenance:'''
** Public datasets can still be edited by authorized users.
** They are not permanent records.
** All changes are tracked in the dataset’s provenance record.

=== Published Datasets ===

A ''published dataset'' is a snapshot of a dataset that has been made public and preserved in a persistent, version-controlled form.

* Publishing creates a new record in the NAN archive that:
** Is public.
** Is permanently fixed (not editable).
** Is linked to the original "parent" dataset, which remains editable if you have the necessary permissions.

* '''Versioning:'''
** Each time a dataset is published, a new version is created (e.g., V1, V2) ''only if changes have been made'' since the last published version.
** If no changes have occurred, re-publishing does not create a new version.
** The data browser displays the most recent version by default.
** Users can access prior versions and the editable parent dataset as needed.

[[Category:FAQ]] [[Category:Data Browser]]