punched card
In computing, an early form of data storage and input, now almost obsolete. The 80-column card widely used in the 1960s and 1970s was a thin card, measuring 190 mm × 84 mm/7.5 in × 3.33 in, holding up to 80 characters of data encoded as small rectangular holes.
The punched card was invented by French textile manufacturer Joseph Marie Jacquard in 1801 to control weaving looms. The first data-processing machine using punched cards was developed by US inventor Herman Hollerith in the 1880s for the US census.
The punched card was invented by French textile manufacturer Joseph Marie Jacquard in 1801 to control weaving looms. The first data-processing machine using punched cards was developed by US inventor Herman Hollerith in the 1880s for the US census.
© RM 2012. Helicon Publishing is division of RM.
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