Hollerith code meaning

Hollerith code is a method of representing data with punched cards, commonly used for early computer data processing.


Hollerith code definitions

Word backwards htirelloH edoc
Part of speech The term "Hollerith code" is a compound noun, made up of the name "Hollerith" (a proper noun) and "code" (a common noun).
Syllabic division Hol-le-rith code
Plural The plural of the word Hollerith code is Hollerith codes.
Total letters 13
Vogais (3) o,e,i
Consonants (7) h,l,r,t,c,d

Hollerith code is a method of encoding alphanumeric characters into a format that can be easily read by computers. It was invented by Herman Hollerith in the late 19th century and was used in early data processing machines. The code assigns a unique combination of 12 bits to each character, allowing for efficient storage and retrieval of data.

History of Hollerith Code

Herman Hollerith developed the code in the 1880s as part of his work on the tabulating machine, which was used to process data from the 1890 United States Census. The code was designed to represent both letters and numbers in a way that could be read and processed by the machine. Hollerith's system was a crucial innovation in the field of data processing, paving the way for modern computing.

Structure of Hollerith Code

The Hollerith code uses a combination of 12 bits to represent each character. This allows for a total of 4,096 unique combinations, which is enough to represent all letters, numbers, and special characters. Each character is assigned a specific code, making it easy for computers to interpret and process the data. The code is a precursor to more modern encoding systems, such as ASCII and Unicode.

Applications of Hollerith Code

Although Hollerith code is no longer in widespread use, it laid the foundation for modern data encoding systems. The code was instrumental in the development of early tabulating machines and helped pave the way for the computer age. Today, more sophisticated encoding systems like ASCII and Unicode have largely supplanted the Hollerith code, but its legacy lives on in the field of data processing and computing.

In conclusion, Hollerith code was a groundbreaking innovation in the field of data processing, paving the way for modern computing. The system of encoding alphanumeric characters into 12-bit combinations revolutionized the way data was stored and processed, setting the stage for the development of more advanced encoding systems in the future.


Hollerith code Examples

  1. The Hollerith code was used in early computing to represent alphanumeric characters.
  2. Each character in the Hollerith code was represented by a unique binary pattern.
  3. The Hollerith code allowed for the encoding of text and data in punch cards.
  4. Legacy systems may still use the Hollerith code for compatibility with old data formats.
  5. Hollerith code is a precursor to modern character encoding schemes like ASCII and Unicode.
  6. Early mainframe computers processed data encoded in Hollerith code.
  7. The Hollerith code was invented by Herman Hollerith in the late 19th century.
  8. Each punch card in a Hollerith code system represented a specific piece of information.
  9. Hollerith code was widely used for data processing before the advent of digital computers.
  10. Understanding the Hollerith code is essential for historians studying early computing technology.


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  • Updated 28/04/2024 - 18:07:21