Data Processing Concepts

Data processing means processing or manipulation of data as required by the user. Data processing can be done manually, but as we noted earlier the various characteristics of computer like speed, storage, etc. makes it more suitable, as computer can do processing very quickly and with less resource. Data is processed in various cycle in a computer, which are

Input Cycle

In this phase of data processing data is prepared in a suitable format and on a medium most suitable for entry into a processing machine. For e.g. attendance records of employees are conveniently represented in a table and the data recording can be done on a magnetic tape or disk.

Processing Cycle

In this phase of data processing the inputted data is processed as per the user’s instructions. Processing can be sorting i.e. arranging data in an ascending or descending order on a given basis.

Output Cycle

This is the last phase of data processing. In it the processed data is given to the user in the inputted data is processed as per the user’s instructions. Processing can be sorting i.e. arranging data in an ascending or descending order on a given basis.