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Keypunch Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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keypunch

[ˈkiːpʌnʧ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

data entry

A keypunch is a device used to input data into a computer by punching holes in cards or tape, which represent the data entered. This method was widely used before the advent of more advanced data entry systems. Keypunching was a fundamental part of early computing and was essential in the operation of mainframe computers.

Synonyms

data punch, key punch.

Examples of usage

  • The keypunch operator worked long hours to prepare the data for processing.
  • In the 1960s, keypunch machines were a common sight in data processing centers.
  • She learned how to use a keypunch as part of her job training.
  • Many early computer programmers began their careers as keypunch operators.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term 'keypunch' dates back to the early 1900s when machines were created to automate data entry for tabulating systems.
  • The first keypunch machine was developed by Herman Hollerith, a statistician, for the 1890 U.S. Census, using punched cards to process data quickly.
  • Keypunch machines once played a crucial role in early computer programming and were vital for managing large datasets before digital keyboards.

Technology

  • Keypunch machines laid the groundwork for modern computing by introducing the concept of data storage and retrieval using physical media.
  • Punched cards, produced by keypunch machines, were used until the late 20th century until floppy disks and later USB drives became standard.
  • The evolution from keypunch to electronic keyboards marked a significant advancement in how humans interact with computers.

Cultural Impact

  • In the 1950s and 60s, keypunching was a common job in offices, marking the beginning of a new era for clerical work.
  • Keypunching inspired various motifs in art and literature, reflecting the rise of technology during the Industrial Revolution.
  • The use of punched cards influenced pop culture, appearing in films and shows, symbolizing the burgeoning age of technology and information.

Education

  • Keypunching was an important skill taught in schools for decades, demonstrating early computer literacy before the rise of personal computers.
  • Educational institutions relied heavily on keypunch systems for storing student data and managing academic records until computerized databases became prevalent.
  • Learning to operate a keypunch machine provided foundational skills in programming concepts and data management for future generations.

Origin of 'keypunch'

The term 'keypunch' originated in the early days of computing, primarily in the 1950s and 1960s, when data was often entered into computers through punched cards. The word combines 'key', referring to the keys of a typewriter or computer keyboard, with 'punch', which relates to the hole-punching process involved in creating data cards. Keypunch machines were developed to facilitate data entry for large amounts of information, becoming a crucial tool in data processing before the rise of modern computer interfaces. The historical significance of keypunching can be seen in its role in the programming and operation of early computers; it functioned as a precursor to more contemporary data entry devices. As technology advanced, the use of keypunch machines diminished, but they remain an important part of computing history.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,387 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.