Machine readable refers to the capability of a device or computer to understand and interpret data stored in a particular format. The spelling of this term "machine readable" is pronounced /məˈʃiːn ridəbəl/. The word "machine" is pronounced as /məˈʃiːn/, while "readable" is pronounced as /ridəbəl/. The term is commonly used for electronic documents and databases that can be easily read and processed by various software programs. Machine readable data is essential for automating tasks and improving efficiency in various industries such as finance, healthcare, and logistics.
Machine readable refers to data or information that can be easily understood and processed by a computer or other automated systems. It describes content that can be interpreted and operated upon by machines without the need for human intervention.
A machine-readable format is typically designed with specific syntax and structure that enables automatic parsing and analysis. Common examples of machine-readable formats include plain text, CSV (comma-separated values), JSON (JavaScript Object Notation), XML (eXtensible Markup Language), and various database formats. These formats are organized in a way that allows computers to recognize and extract specific pieces of information, making it possible to automate tasks such as data extraction, sorting, filtering, and analysis.
Machine-readable data is often structured and organized using predefined rules and standards, making it more accessible for software programs to interpret and utilize the information. This is especially valuable when dealing with large amounts of data or when multiple systems need to exchange information seamlessly.
Machine-readable data is fundamental in various fields, including data processing, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data integration. By making information easily understandable and processable by machines, machine-readable formats enable the automation of processes and enhance efficiency in data handling and analysis.
The word "machine readable" is a compound term consisting of two parts: "machine" and "readable".
The term "machine" originated from the Latin "machina", which referred to any kind of mechanical contrivance or device. It entered the English language in the mid-16th century.
The word "readable" is derived from the verb "read", which comes from the Old English "rǣdan". "Rǣdan" originally meant "to counsel, advise" but eventually evolved to mean "to interpret symbols, comprehend or apprehend written symbols or language". The word "readable" emerged in the late 18th century and describes something that can be easily read or comprehended.
Combining these two words, "machine readable" refers to something that can be interpreted or understood by a machine or computer system.