PUNCHED TAPE Meaning and
Definition
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Punched tape refers to a symbolic data storage medium consisting of a long strip of paper or plastic tape that is punched with holes to represent information. The tape typically has a width of several millimeters and is divided into rows and columns of small rectangular sections known as holes. Each hole can either be punched or left unpunched, representing binary values in a machine-readable format.
Punched tape was a commonly used method for storing and transferring data during the mid-20th century, primarily in computer and telecommunication systems. It was particularly prevalent in early computer programming, where it served as a means to input instructions and data into computers.
To encode information onto the tape, a machine called a "punch" or "puncher" was used. A puncher would create holes in the tape at specific positions according to the desired data pattern. A corresponding machine called a "reader" or "punch reader" would read the tape by detecting and interpreting the presence or absence of holes, translating the patterns back into usable data.
Though largely obsolete today, punched tape played a significant role in the early development of computing and data storage. It was eventually supplanted by more advanced storage technologies like magnetic tape and magnetic disks, which offered higher storage capacity, faster read/write speeds, and greater reliability.
Etymology of PUNCHED TAPE
The word "punched tape" is a combination of two concepts: "punched" and "tape".
1. Punched: The term "punched" refers to the process of making holes or perforations in a material. In the context of punched tape, it refers to the act of using a machine or tool to create holes in a strip of paper or other material.
2. Tape: The word "tape" refers to a long and narrow strip of flexible material. In the case of punched tape, it is a strip made of paper or later synthetic materials.
Together, "punched tape" describes a kind of tape or strip with holes punched into it. In the early days of computing and data storage, punched tape was used to input and store information in binary form.
