DATA PROCESSING

Data is processed to get the required results. For the purpose, different operations may be performed on data. Therefore, data processing is defined as: " a sequence of operations on data to convert it into useful information". The important operations that can be performed on data are:

• Arithmetic and logical operations.
• To send and receive data from one location to another.
• Classification of data.
• Arranging data into a specific order etc.

The data processing can be accomplished through following methods:

• Manual Data Processing.
• Mechanical Data Processing.
• Electronic Data Processing.

Manual Data Processing

In manual data processing, data is processed manually without using any machine or tool to get required results. In manual data processing, all the calculations and logical operations are manually performed on data.

Mechanical Data Processing

In mechanical data processing, data is processed by using different tools like typewriters, mechanical printers or other mechanical devices.

Electronic Data Processing

It is the modern technique to process data. The data is processed through computer. Data and set of instructions are given to the computer as input and the computer automatically processes the data according to given set of instructions.