# Datasets

Datasets are an important component for processing privacy requests. They codify your organization's data architecture using [FidesLang data categories (opens in a new tab)](https://ethyca.github.io/fideslang/taxonomy/overview/) and describe the data processing activity related to each of your data stores.

Datasets are defined in YAML and contain the following components:

- **Fields**: the schema for structured or semi-structured data stores.
- **Data categories**: the categories of personal data contained in the data store.
- **Identity keys**: entry points for processing privacy requests.

This guide walks through the steps for creating, annotating, and managing datasets for privacy requests. It references datasets from the Cookie House sample project, [available on Github (opens in a new tab)](https://github.com/ethyca/cookiehouse-sample-project/tree/main/.fides/datasets).

## Get started with Datasets [Permalink for this section](/content/docs/integrations/guides/datasets/overview#get-started-with-datasets/index.html)

[**Create Datasets using the Fides Admin UI**\
\
Learn More](/content/docs/integrations/guides/datasets/generate-datasets-ui/index.html) [**Create Datasets using the Fides CLI**\
\
Learn More](/content/docs/integrations/guides/datasets/generate-datasets-cli/index.html) [**Add Annotations for Data Mapping**\
\
Learn More](/content/data-mapping/guides/data-mapping-annotations/index.html) [**Add Annotations for Privacy Requests**\
\
Learn More](/content/privacy-requests/reference/privacy-request-annotations/index.html)

## Next Steps [Permalink for this section](/content/docs/integrations/guides/datasets/overview#next-steps/index.html)

[**Link Datasets to Integrations**\
\
Learn More](/content/docs/integrations/guides/datasets/link-datasets/index.html) [**Edit SaaS Datasets**\
\
Learn More](/content/docs/integrations/guides/datasets/edit-saas-datasets/index.html) [**Configure Datasets with Nested Fields**\
\
Learn More](/content/privacy-requests/guides/complex-fields/index.html) [**Validating Datasets**\
\
Learn More](/content/privacy-requests/guides/configuration/configuring-datasets/index.html) [**Data Masking for Erasure Requests**\
\
Learn More](/content/privacy-requests/guides/masking-strategies/index.html)