term for a processing mode in which the work to be accomplished is done sequentially. Input such as transaction records is processed through the system in a predetermined order. Batch processing systems are fairly inexpensive and represent the most common system in use today.
procedure whereby a user gives a computer a batch of information, referred to as a job -for example, a program and its input data on punched cards-and waits for it to be processed as awhole. Batch processing contrasts with interactive processing, in which the user communicates with the computer by means of a terminal while the program is running.
the noninteractive use of computers. In batch processing, the user gives the computer a "batch" of information, referred to as a job-for example, a program and its input data-and waits for it to be processed as a whole. Batch processing contrasts with interactive processing, in which the user communicates with the computer by means of a terminal while the program is running. The crucial difference is that with batch processing the user must put all of the data into the computer before seeing any of the results, while with interactive processing the user can decide how to handle each item on the basis of the results obtained with earlier items.
