Data
Processing
Collection, manipulation, and processing collected data for the
required use is known as data processing. It is a technique normally performed
by a computer; the process includes retrieving, transforming, or classification
of information.
However, the processing of data largely depends on the following −
- The
volume of data that need to be processed
- The
complexity of data processing operations
- Capacity
and inbuilt technology of respective computer system
- Technical
skills
- Time constraints
Methods of Data Processing
Let us now discuss the different methods of data processing.
- Single
user programming
- Multiple
programming
- Real-time
processing
- On-line
processing
- Time
sharing processing
- Distributed
processing
Single User Programming
It is usually done by a single person for his personal use. This
technique is suitable even for small offices.
Multiple Programming
This technique provides facility to store and execute more than
one program in the Central Processing Unit (CPU) simultaneously. Further, the
multiple programming technique increases the overall working efficiency of the
respective computer.
Real-time Processing
This technique facilitates the user to have direct contact with
the computer system. This technique eases data processing. This technique is
also known as the direct mode or the interactive mode technique and is
developed exclusively to perform one task. It is a sort of online processing,
which always remains under execution.
On-line Processing
This technique facilitates the entry and execution of data
directly; so, it does not store or accumulate first and then process. The
technique is developed in such a way that reduces the data entry errors, as it
validates data at various points and also ensures that only corrected data is
entered. This technique is widely used for online applications.
Time-sharing Processing
This is another form of online data processing that facilitates
several users to share the resources of an online computer system. This
technique is adopted when results are needed swiftly. Moreover, as the name
suggests, this system is time based.
Following are some of the major advantages of time-sharing
processing −
- Several
users can be served simultaneously
- All the
users have almost equal amount of processing time
- There is
possibility of interaction with the running programs
Distributed Processing
This is a specialized data processing technique in which various
computers (which are located remotely) remain interconnected with a single host
computer making a network of computer.
All these computer systems remain interconnected with a high speed
communication network. This facilitates in the communication between computers.
However, the central computer system maintains the master data base and
monitors accordingly.