Tabulator Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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tabulator
[təˈbjuːləˌtər ]
Definitions
computer hardware
A tabulator is a device or software function that organizes data in columns for easy reading. This term is often used in the context of data entry or data presentation, where information needs to be aligned in a structured format. In computing, tabulators can refer to the key on a keyboard that creates a tab space, moving the cursor to the next fixed position. Tabulators are crucial for formatting text documents and spreadsheets, allowing users to create neat and organized layouts.
Synonyms
data organizer, formatter, tab key.
Examples of usage
- Press the tabulator key to move to the next cell in the spreadsheet.
- The report was difficult to read until I used the tabulator function to align the data.
- He adjusted the tabulator settings to fit the document's margins.
manual entry
In the context of manual data entry, a tabulator can refer to any device or method used to systematically arrange and classify information. Historically, tabulators were physical machines used in offices to process and record information on punched cards or paper. This use of tabulators has evolved with technology, leading to modern software that fulfills the same organizational purposes.
Synonyms
data processor, organizer, sorter.
Examples of usage
- The clerk used a mechanical tabulator to sort through customer records.
- With the advent of computers, traditional tabulators have become less common.
- The new software features an advanced tabulator for managing data entries.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
History
- In the 19th century, tabulating machines revolutionized data processing for large organizations like the U.S. Census.
- Herman Hollerith invented the first successful tabulator in 1890, which used punched cards to process census data quickly.
- IBM, originally a company focused on tabulating machines, became a major player in the computer revolution.
Technology
- Modern tabulators often refer to software tools that allow users to create and manipulate data tables effortlessly.
- Spreadsheet programs like Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets function as digital tabulators, allowing for complex data analysis.
- Tabulation software can automate the process of aggregating data from multiple sources, enhancing efficiency.
Art & Literature
- In literature, tabular representations can simplify complex narratives, breaking down themes, characters, or events into digestible parts.
- Artists may use tabulation techniques to visually organize ideas or feelings, creating structured visual pieces that convey complex messages.
- Some modern storytelling uses interactive tabulators in digital formats, allowing audiences to explore narratives non-linearly.
Psychology
- Organizing information in tabular format can enhance memory retention and comprehension in educational settings.
- Research shows that visual representations of data, such as tables, can aid in decision-making processes by simplifying the comparisons.
- Cognitive load theory suggests that using tabulated information helps reduce mental effort when processing complex data.
Origin of 'tabulator'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'tabulator' comes from the Latin word 'tabula,' meaning 'a board' or 'table.'
- Historically, tabulators were devices that assisted in performing arithmetic calculations by arranging data into columns.
- The term has evolved to describe both manual and mechanical devices used for organizing information.
The word 'tabulator' originates from the Latin word 'tabula', meaning 'a board or tablet'. The term began to be used in English around the late 19th century during the rise of office machinery. Early tabulators were mechanical devices that used punch cards to record and process data, which facilitated business and administrative tasks. As technology advanced, the term evolved to include software applications that perform similar functions. Today, 'tabulator' is primarily associated with electronic data organization, emphasizing its importance in both historical and contemporary contexts.