Punched cards were an early method of digital computer data storage, using cards made of stiff paper with holes punched in specific locations to represent data. They could be punched manually or automatically, were generally read automatically, and commonly held up to a few hundred bytes of data each.
Questions tagged [punched-cards]
29 questions
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How late were 80-column punched cards relevant?
I'm trying to avoid this being branded as "opinion based", but would be interested in accounts of punched cards being used in "live" environments later than expected.
In my case, when I joined Burroughs in late '79 my recollection is that all…
Mark Morgan Lloyd
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Non-Computer Punch-Card Systems other than Edge-Notched Cards
Caveat: This is maybe a borderline for RC, as it's about systematic data processing even before (and in parallel to) computers.
Before (and parallel to) computer and/or tabulating machine punch cards there have been other systems for data…
Raffzahn
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Was there a way to directly print out a deck of punch cards without involving a computer?
Was there any equipment which could directly print out the program or data on a stack of punchcards, without first loading the deck into a general-purpose computer?
In other words, a transfer from the machine-readable hole pattern, printing to a…
DrSheldon
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What do the numbers on the punch cards mean?
Does anyone know what is the meaning of the numbers in punch cards? I need an example of any language, it's important for me to understand which information could be manipulated.
Marta Fioravanti
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