What is data and its processing cycle

Topic outline

  • What is Data
  • Examples of Data
  • Data processing cycle
  • Stages of the Data processing cycle
  • Input
  • Processing
  • Output

(a)What is Data?

The data is derived from the Latin language. "A collection of raw facts and figures is called data". It is the raw material processed by a computer. Data is collected from different sources for different purposes. Data is given to the computer for processing. Data may or may not be meaningful.

(b)Examples of Data

  • Organizations conduct a survey to know the opinions and ideas of people about their product.
  • Students fill out a form when they get admission to any institute. The form consists of the student's name, father's name, address, phone no or other personal information.
  • The purpose of collecting this data is to maintain the record of students in the institute.

(c)Data processing cycle

The conversion of raw facts and figures to meaningful information through a process is called data processing. The data is processed again and again until the correct result is achieved.

(d)Stages of the Data processing cycle


(e)Input

Collected data is converted into a form that the computers can understand. The output result totally depends on input data. Following activities are performed in input.

1. Verification

Collected data is verified to determine whether it is correct as required. For example, The collected data of all BSCS students that appeared in university is verified. If any error occurs in data then it is collected again.

2. Coding
After verification data is converted into a machine-readable form so it can be processed through a computer.

3. Storing

After coding the data is stored on the secondary storage into a file and it is given to the program as input for processing.

(f)Processing

The actual data manipulation techniques such as classifying, sorting, calculations and summarizing, etc, convert data into information.

1. Classification

Data is divided into groups and subgroups, so each group of data can be handled separately.

2. Sorting

Data is arranged into order so it can be accessed easily and quickly.

3. Calculations

Arithmetic operations are performed on data to get the results. For example, the Total CGPA of each student is calculated.

4. Summarizing

The summary of data is prepared for management. For example, The data of students is prepared to show the result of the examination.

(g)Output

The main purpose of data processing is to get results. Output is stored on the storage media. Following activities can be performed in output.

1. Retrieval

The output stored can be retrieved at any time. For Example, The result of students can be retrieved when required.

2. Conversion

Output can be converted into different forms.

3. Communication

Output is sent to different places. For Example, The date sheet of students is prepared and sent to different colleges, where it is required.

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