What role do mappings play within Informatica Cloud?

Mappings are essential components within Informatica Cloud that are used to define how data flows from source to target and the transformations applied during that process. In this context, mappings serve as a blueprint for the data integration process, specifying the source data fields, the required transformations (such as aggregations, filtering, or joining), and the target data structure where the processed data will be written.

The ability to articulate data flow and transformation logic is critical for ensuring the accuracy and efficiency of data processing. By leveraging mappings, users can create complex workflows that effectively manage the movement and transformation of data across various systems, making it possible to integrate disparate data sources seamlessly.

The other choices touch on important aspects of data integration and management, such as managing user access or creating reports, but they do not relate to the direct functionality of mappings in the context of defining data flows and transformation logic.