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Keypunching: meaning, definitions and examples

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keypunching

 

[ˈkiːˌpʌnʧɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

data entry

Keypunching refers to the process of entering data into a computer or other electronic device by using a keyboard or punch card. This method was primarily used in the early days of computing when data was inputted into systems using mechanical keypunch machines. The act of keypunching can often involve programming and coding, making it an essential skill in data management. Although it has become less common with advancements in technology, the term still signifies the basic concept of entering information electronically.

Synonyms

coding, data entry, keyboard entry.

Examples of usage

  • She spent hours keypunching the survey results into the system.
  • The technician is keypunching data for the inventory tracking.
  • He learned keypunching as part of his training in computer operations.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term 'keypunch' originated in the early computer era, relating to a specific machine that punched holes into cards to store data.
  • Initially developed in the 1900s, keypunching became essential in data processing before modern computers took over.

Historical Technology

  • Keypunching was a prevalent method to input information until the 1980s, when personal computers began to replace keypunch machines.
  • The keypunch machine operated by using keys that, when pressed, would create holes in punch cards, which could then be read by computers.

Job Market

  • In the mid-20th century, keypunch operators were in high demand, as businesses relied heavily on data entry for various operations.
  • As technology advanced, the role of keypunch operators diminished, leading to a shift towards computer operators and programmers.

Education

  • Many vocational schools in the 1970s and 1980s offered keypunching courses to prepare students for careers in data processing.
  • Learning keypunching was often one of the first steps in understanding early computing and programming concepts.

Cultural Impact

  • Keypunching features prominently in early depictions of computer work in movies and media, often portrayed as a tedious but vital task.
  • The rise of keypunching influenced pop culture, leading to the portrayal of data processing jobs as the backbone of modern business.

Translations

Translations of the word "keypunching" in other languages:

🇵🇹 digitação

🇮🇳 कीपंचिंग

🇩🇪 Tasteneingabe

🇮🇩 pengetikan kunci

🇺🇦 клавіатурний набір

🇵🇱 wprowadzanie danych

🇯🇵 キーパンチング

🇫🇷 saisie de données

🇪🇸 tecleado

🇹🇷 tuşlama

🇰🇷 키 입력

🇸🇦 إدخال البيانات

🇨🇿 klávesové zadávání

🇸🇰 klávesnicové zadávanie

🇨🇳 键盘输入

🇸🇮 vnos podatkov

🇮🇸 lyklaskrift

🇰🇿 пернетақтаны енгізу

🇬🇪 კლავიშური შეტანა

🇦🇿 klaviatura daxil edilməsi

🇲🇽 tecleado

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,811, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.