batch processing

2 definitions found

batch processing - WordNet (r) 2.1 (2005) :

  batch processing
      n 1: the serial execution of computer programs

batch processing - Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (26 May 2007) :

  batch processing
  
     <programming> A system that takes a set (a "batch") of
     commands or jobs, executes them and returns the results, all
     without human intervention.  This contrasts with an
     interactive system where the user's commands and the
     computer's responses are interleaved during a single run.
  
     A batch system typically takes its commands from a disk file
     (or a set of punched cards or magnetic tape in the old
     days) and returns the results to a file (or prints them).
     Often there is a queue of jobs which the system processes as
     resources become available.
  
     Since the advent of the personal computer, the term "batch"
     has come to mean automating frequently performed tasks that
     would otherwise be done interactively by storing those
     commands in a "batch file" or "script".  Usually this file
     is read by some kind of command interpreter but batch
     processing is sometimes used with GUI-based applications that
     define script equivalents for menu selections and other mouse
     actions.  Such a recorded sequence of GUI actions is sometimes
     called a "macro".  This may only exist in memory and may not
     be saved to disk whereas a batch normally implies something
     stored on disk.
  
     (1998-06-26)