punch card
Definition
Noun: A punch card is a piece of stiff paper that contains digital information represented by the presence or absence of holes in predefined positions. Historically, these cards were used to input data and programs into early computers and to control automated machinery.
Usage
The term "punch card" is used to refer to the physical data storage medium itself. It is a countable noun. * Early computers used punch cards for data entry. * Each line of code had to be translated onto a separate punch card. * The program was stored as a stack of punch cards.
Examples
- The data from the 1960 census was stored on punch cards.
- She carefully fed the punch card into the reader.
- A single error meant repunching an entire punch card.
Advanced Usage
- As a historical concept: The term is often used when discussing the history of computing and data processing.
- Programming with punch cards required immense patience and precision.
- In a metaphorical sense: It can sometimes be used to describe outdated or rigid systems.
- Their application process is antiquated, like something from the punch card era.
Variants and Related Words
- Punched card: This is a full synonym and is used interchangeably with "punch card."
- Hollerith card: A specific type of punch card named after Herman Hollerith, who used them for tabulating the 1890 U.S. census.
- IBM card: A common proprietary name for punch cards manufactured by IBM.
- Card punch (noun): The machine used to create holes in the cards.
- Card reader (noun): The machine used to interpret the pattern of holes on the card.
Synonyms
- Punched card
Related Idioms and Phrases
- "Do not fold, spindle, or mutilate": This was a common warning printed on punch cards, instructing users not to bend, pierce, or damage them. It has entered general usage as a humorous or ironic warning about handling something with care.
- He treated the fragile document as if it had "do not fold, spindle, or mutilate" printed on it.
Noun
-
a card on which data can be recorded in the form of punched holes
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