Definition

Noun: 1. A method of data processing where a computer executes a series of programs or tasks (a "batch") without user interaction or manual intervention. The tasks are collected, grouped, and processed sequentially as a single unit, often at a scheduled time or when system resources are available.

Usage

• Batch processing is typically used for tasks that are repetitive, can be deferred, or do not require immediate results.
• It is often contrasted with interactive processing or real-time processing, where the user interacts with the system and receives an immediate response.
• Common applications include payroll systems, end-of-day transaction processing, generating reports, and processing large datasets.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "to run in batch mode": to operate using batch processing.
  • The server is configured to run these calculations in batch mode during off-peak hours.
• "batch job": a specific unit of work submitted for batch processing.
  • I submitted a batch job to convert all the image files to a new format.

Variants and Related Words

• Batch (noun): A group of items processed together.
  • The bakery prepared a fresh batch of bread.
• Batch (verb): To group items together for processing.
  • Please batch the invoices before sending them to accounting.
• Batch file (noun): A script file containing a series of commands to be executed by the operating system, often used to automate batch processing tasks.

Synonyms

• Non-interactive processing
• Offline processing (in some contexts)
• Serial execution

Antonyms

• Interactive processing
• Real-time processing
• Online transaction processing (OLTP)

Related Phrases

• Batch system: A computer system designed or used primarily for batch processing.
  • The legacy batch system was finally replaced by a modern real-time platform.
• Batch queue: A list of jobs waiting to be processed in a batch system.
  • Your print job is in the batch queue and will be completed shortly.

Noun

1. the serial execution of computer programs