Data

Data
The word data is derived from Latin language. It is plural
of Datum Data is any collection of facts of figures. The
data is the raw material to be processed by a computer.

Example
Names of students, marks obtained in the examination,
designation of employees, addresses, quantity, rate, sales
figures or anything that is input to the computer is data.
Even pictures, photographs, drawings, charts and maps
can be treated as data. Computer processes the data and
produces the output or result
 Types of Data
Mainly Data is divided into two types:
1. Numeric Data
2. Character Data

1. Numeric Data
The data which is represented in the form of numbers is known as Numeric
Data. This includes 0-9 digits, a decimal point (.), +, – sign.

2. Character Data
Character data falls into two groups.
i. String Data
ii. Graphical Data

String Data
String data consists of the sequence of characters. Characters may be English
alphabets, numbers or space. The space, which separates two words, is also a
character. The string data is further divided into two types.
a. Alphabetic Data
b. Alphanumeric Data

Graphical Data
It is possible that pictures, charts and maps can be treated as data. The scanner
is normally used to enter this type of data. The common use of this data is
found in the National Identity Card.
 Information

A collection of data which conveys some

meaningful idea is information. It may provide
answers to questions like who, which, when,
why, what, and how.

or

The raw input is data and it has no significance

when it exists in that form. When data is
collated or organized into something meaningful,
it gains significance. This meaningful
organization is information
 Data Processing

Data Processing:
Any operation or set of operations
performed upon data, whether or not by
automatic means, such as collection,
recording, organization, storage,
adaptation or alteration to convert it into
useful information.
 Data Processing Cycle
Once data is collected, it is processed to convert it into
useful information. The data is processed again and
again until the accurate result is achieved. This is called
data processing cycle.

The data processing is very important activity and

involves very careful planning. Usually, data processing
activity involves three basic activities.

1. Input
2. Processing
3. Output
 Data Processing Cycle
Step-1
1. Input
It is the process through which collected data is transformed into a form that
computer can understand. It is very important step because correct output
result totally depends on the input data. In input step, following activities can
be performed.

(i) Verification
The collected data is verified to determine whether it is correct as required. For
example, the collected data of all BS(CS) students that appeared in final
examination of the university is verified. If errors occur in collected data, data is
corrected or it is collected again.

(ii) Coding
The verified data is coded or converted into machine readable form so that it
can be processed through computer.

(iii) Storing
The data is stored on the secondary storage into a file. The stored data on the
storage media will be given to the program as input for processing.
 Data Processing Cycle
Step-2
2. Processing
The term processing denotes the actual data manipulation techniques such as
classifying, sorting, calculating, summarizing, comparing, etc. that
convert data into information.

i) Classification
The data is classified into different groups and subgroups, so that each group or
sub-group of data can be handled separately.

ii) Storing
The data is arranged into an order so that it can be accessed very quickly as
and when required.

iii) Calculations
The arithmetic operations are performed on the numeric data to get the required
results. For example, total marks of each student are calculated.

iv) Summarizing
The data is processed to represent it in a summarized form. It means that the
summary of data is prepared for top management. For example, the summary of
the data of student is prepared to show the percentage of pass and fail student
examination etc.
 Data Processing Cycle
Step-3
3. Output
After completing the processing step, output is generated. The main purpose
of data processing is to get the required result. Mostly, the output is stored on
the storage media for later user. In output step, following activities can be
performed.

i) Retrieval
Output stored on the storage media can be retrieved at any time. For example,
result of students is prepared and stored on the disk. This result can be
retrieved when required for different purposes.

ii) Conversion
The generated output can be converted into different forms. For example, it
can be represented into graphical form.

iii) Communication
The generated output is sent to different places. For example, students result
of Islamabad Campus and Karachi Campus sent to Examination Department
of the University.
 Types of Data Processing

1. Manual Data Processing:

This method of data processing involves human

intervention. The manual process of data entry implies
many opportunities for errors, such as delays in data
capture, as every single data field has to be keyed in
manually, a high amount of operator errors, high labor
costs from the amount of manual labor required.
 Types of Data Processing
2. Electronic Data Processing (EDP)

EDP (Electronic Data Processing) means processing of

data by a computer and its programs in an environment
involving electronic communication. EDP evolved from
"DP" (Data Processing), a term that was created when
most computing input was physically put into the
computer in punched card form.
 Types of Data Processing
3. Real Time Processing
In a real time processing, there is a continual input,
process and output of data. Data has to be processed in
a small stipulated time period (real time), otherwise it
will create problems for the system.

For example, when a bank customer withdraws a sum of

money from his or her account it is vital that the
transaction be processed and the account balance
updated as soon as possible, allowing both the bank and
customer to keep track of funds.
 Types of Data Processing

4. Batch Processing
In a batch processing group of transactions
collected over a period of time is collected,
entered, processed and then the batch results
are produced. Batch processing requires
separate programs for input, process and
output. It is an efficient way of processing high
volume of data.
For example: Payroll System, Examination
System and Billing System.
 Computer Processing Operations
A computer can perform only the following four
operations which enable computers to carry out
the various data processing activities.
(a) Input/Output Operations
A computer can accept data (input) from and
produced processed data (output) to a wide
range of input/output devices. These devices
such as keyboards, display screens, and printers
make human-machine communication possible.
 Computer Processing Operations

(b) Calculation and text manipulation Operations

Computer circuits perform calculations on
numbers. They are also capable of manipulating
numeric and other symbols used in text with
equal efficiency.
 Computer Processing Operations
(c) Logic/Comparison Operations

A computer can also perform logical operations.

For example, if we compare two items

represented by the symbols A and B, there are
only three possible outcomes.
A is less than B (A<B); A is equal to B (A=B): or
A is greater than B
(A>B).
 Computer Processing Operations

(d) Storage and Retrieval Operations

Both data and program instructions are
stored internally in a computer.

Once they are stored in the internal

memory, they can be called up quickly
or retrieved, for further use.