HOLLERITH Meaning and
Definition
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Hollerith is a term that refers to the pioneering work of Herman Hollerith, an American inventor and statistician who revolutionized data processing technology in the late 19th century. It specifically relates to the development and usage of punched card data processing systems, which laid the foundation for modern computer technology.
The Hollerith system involves the use of punched cards, which are rectangular pieces of paper or cardboard with holes punched in specific positions to represent data. Each hole on the card corresponds to a particular piece of information or a binary digit, allowing data to be stored in a structured and easily readable format.
Hollerith's invention greatly improved the efficiency and accuracy of data processing, particularly for tasks involving large amounts of information, such as census tabulations. Prior to the Hollerith system, data had to be manually transcribed and calculated, which was time-consuming and prone to errors. With the invention of the tabulating machine, which could read and process the punched cards, data processing became much faster and more reliable.
The Hollerith system served as a precursor to modern electronic computer technology, as it introduced the concept of using punched cards as a means of storing and processing information. The principles and techniques developed by Hollerith formed the basis for later advancements in data processing, including the introduction of electronic computers, and ultimately contributed to the information age we live in today.
Common Misspellings for HOLLERITH
Etymology of HOLLERITH
The word "Hollerith" is derived from the surname of the American inventor Herman Hollerith.
Similar spelling words for HOLLERITH
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