Mainframe

Noun · Development

Definitions

  1. A large, powerful computer designed for high-volume transaction processing, bulk data handling, and enterprise-critical applications. IBM System/360 defined the category. Despite 'mainframe is dead' predictions, they still process 90% of credit card transactions and most airline reservations.

    In plain English: A massive, ultra-reliable computer that powers banks, airlines, and governments — still running strong despite decades of 'it's dead' predictions.

    Example: "The bank's core banking system runs on a z16 mainframe — 40 billion transactions per day, and it's been running since the '80s."

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