The processing of converting the raw material into finished goods requires some processing. Same way, to convert the data into information, the processing of the data is processing. Data is important because, data is not useful until it is subjected to a 'value-added process' of data processing.
Data processing can be defined as, collection of data processing of data, producing of valuable information and dissemination of information. We were using different methods for data processing, but now, computers are doing all these operations, so this is known as electronic data processing (EDP). EDP means manipulation of data in more useful form by using some electronic devices such as computer.
The cycle of data processing is consisted of input, processing and output.
Input:
Input data entered into a computer from a keyboard, voice recognition software, a mouse, another computer, or data storage device such as a disk or tape.
Processing:
Like the manufacturing process, which converts the raw material into finished goods, a transformation process in computerize data processing, converts data into information according to user needs. The process could be any process like, calculating, arranging, summarizing, or other operations.
Output:
Output data resulting from the operation of a computer. Output may be displayed on a monitor, printed, stored on a disk, or played on loudspeakers.
