What is the first step in the Data processing Cycle?

Introduction

The Data Processing Cycle is a set of instructions (steps) that are followed to generate information from raw data. The procedures must be followed to avoid the Data Processing cycle from being misled.

In this article, we will look at the Data Process Cycle of Computer, which is at the core of the computer system. The initial thrust was at the processing capability. We define the processing function.

What Data Processing?

Data processing is the turning of raw data into useful information via a finalized process. It is used to generate a solution that solves an issue in an existing circumstance. On the other hand, it is a cycle in which inputs (raw data) are supplied to computer systems, software, and so on to produce information.

As a result, it is a collection of activities conducted on data, either manually or automatically, such as collection, recording, organization, storage, adaption, or conversion into valuable information.

Companies, organizations, and governments generally hire computer systems to perform a series of operations on data to show, understand, or gather information. Data entry, summary, storage, and computation are all included.

Note: Data is a non-processable kind of information. It may be processed as information, and the information can be applied to a system to ensure its continuance. It is often handled manually, mechanically, or electronically.
Many data management systems are primarily concerned with extracting information from data. As a result, raw data must go through a mining process before it can have meaning or grasp the type of information provided by the processor.

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What is the first step in The Data Processing Cycle?

There are six [6] steps in the data processing cycle:

Data collection

This is the initial step of data processing, and it is important since the quality of data acquired has a large influence on the outcome. The data-gathering process must guarantee that the data obtained are both specified and correct so that judgments based on the results are valid.

Preparation

The process of transforming data into a format suitable for advanced analysis and processing. It is about generating a data set from several data sources to be utilized for further investigation and processing. Processing incorrect or poorly scanned data might result in a deceptive result with poor data quality.

Input

This is the duty of converting human-verified data into machine-readable form and passing it into the computer’s processing division in that form. The data being translated can take several human-readable forms, including text, visual pictures, and audio (voice, sound). Data can be input into the computer using a keyboard, a digitizer, a scanner, or by entering data from an existing source.

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Processing

This step involves subjecting the data to various methods of modification. It is also the point at which the computer is being used, and it includes the program code and the state of the computer at that moment. The operations frequently entail data modification. Data processes are built up of execution threads that take many different forms.

Note: A process is the actual carrying out of those instructions, whereas a computer program is a passive collection of instructions.

Output and Interpretation

This is the step at which the data that has been gathered, prepared, inputted, and processed is communicated to the user. The output is displayed to the user in a variety of formats, including text, visual image, audio (voice, sound), and video or monitor. They can be understood, guiding future judgments.

Storage

At the end of the data processing cycle, the computer is trusted to store up to 1 million documents, files, and other items. If the document is saved, it can be utilized in the following 20 years and accessed fast. Storage is used by all computers to store system and application software.

Types of Data Processing

There are three different types of data processing: manual, mechanical, and electronic.

Manual Data Processing

This is the process of manually processing data. There is no machine or tool utilized. The computation is done manually in this case. It is an old method of calculating that was utilized before the creation of the calculator.

Mechanical Data Processing

Data is processed using devices or machines. Calculators and typewriters are examples of machines that help people with data processing. This approach appears to be faster, simpler, and more accurate than manual data processing.

For example, a merchant selling rice uses a calculator to speed up his data processing system. He will make fewer calculation errors if he uses the calculator. Obtaining a buyer’s bill will be considerably faster and easer with a calculator.

Electronic Data Processing

This is the most advanced data processing approach. The primary mode of data transmission is electronic data processing. As a result, here is where the data and set of commands are passed to the computer for analysis or output. Many businesses, schools, organizations, banks, government agencies, and universities use it.

Techniques of Data Processing

The data processing methods or techniques are as follows.

Processing in real-time

Processing in this manner is designed to allow the computer to utilize accessible data. The equipment used to do this assignment must be capable of connecting to the internet. It is more effective. Receiving and processing transactions, on the other hand, are done concurrently, and any delays in task processing are removed.

Online processing (direct access or random access processing):

The online processing system features random and rapid input of transactions and immediate and immediate and direct access to record content when needed.

Batch processing

Batch processing is also known as sequential, serial, offline, or stacked/queued processing. However, in the processing method, different jobs of different users are stacked or queued in their receiving order. On the other hand, processing a large volume of data in batches for some time results in a slow down of processing costs per transaction or record than processing the transaction as they occur.

Multiprogramming

A multiprogramming system has one or more ready-to-run programs stored in the main memory. The fact that only one program may use the CPC at once suggests that there is only one process running on the system at any given moment while the others wait.

Note: For this type of system to work correctly, the operating system must be able to load different applications into distinct portions of the main memory and offer the necessary protection to prevent one process from being changed by another.

Time-sharing

In this analysis, the way of processing allows multiple users to process or utilize the same CPC resources at the same time by allocating CPC time to all users on a scheduled basis. As a result, all interested operators are providing a terminal for their link with the main CPC, which serves more than one user.

Multiprocessing

The coordinated execution of programs by several system processors. As a result, it is a broad phrase that can refer to the dynamic assignment of a program to one of three computers that work in tandem.

File processing: File processing refers to the local components of a file that appear natural, logical, or sensible.

File Logical Components

In its most fundamental form, a file is a collection of bytes. On the other hand, when it comes to successfully managing files, we frequently try to impose a structure on their contents by arranging them in some local fashion.

Here are some of the file’s logical components:

Bit

In a computer, a bit (binary digit) is the smallest unit of data. Its value ranges between 0 and 1. A byte also has eight (8) bits.

Byte

A unit of computer data consisting of eight binary digits. Most computers utilize a byte to represent a letter, number, or typographic symbol, such as “f”, “7”, or “£”.