What is parsing?

We parse raw data to identify meaningful segments.  For example, a five-digit number might be a Zip Code, or it might be something else.  Our address parsing software examines the surrounding text—is there a subsequent hyphen and 4-digit number?  Is there a preceding state name or abbreviation, or a preceding city name matching that Zip Code?  Likewise for potential street addresses, we check against our database of all valid street names within an area, flagging any unlikely or erroneous data.