Punchcard

Noun · Development

Definitions

  1. A stiff paper card with holes punched in specific positions to represent data or instructions. The primary input medium for computers from the 1890s (Hollerith census machines) through the 1970s. Programs were written by punching cards, carrying the deck to the computer room, and waiting hours for output.

    In plain English: Physical cards with holes punched in them that early computers read as programs — drop the stack and you're in trouble.

    Example: "My professor used to program with punchcards — drop the deck and you spend the afternoon re-sorting 2,000 cards."

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