Line printer meaning

A line printer is a printer that prints one line of text at a time.


Line printer definitions

Word backwards enil retnirp
Part of speech noun
Syllabic division line print-er
Plural The plural of the word "line printer" is "line printers."
Total letters 11
Vogais (2) i,e
Consonants (5) l,n,p,r,t

Introduction to Line Printers

Line printers were once a staple of early computer systems, providing a way to produce hard copies of data output. These printers work by printing a whole line of text at a time, hence the name "line printer." While they have largely been replaced by faster and more efficient printing technologies, line printers still hold a place in history as an essential component of early computing.

How Line Printers Work

Line printers typically use a series of print hammers or pins to strike an inked ribbon against the paper, creating characters or images. The print hammers or pins are arranged in a line corresponding to the width of the paper. As the paper moves line by line through the printer, the hammers or pins selectively strike the ribbon to form characters or images on the paper. This process continues until a complete line of text is printed.

Types of Line Printers

There are two main types of line printers: drum printers and chain printers. Drum printers have characters or images engraved on a cylinder that rotates and strikes the paper, while chain printers use a rotating chain with characters or images on its links to print on the paper. Both types of line printers operate by striking the inked ribbon against the paper to create the desired output.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Line Printers

Line printers are known for their reliability and durability, as they have fewer moving parts compared to other types of printers. They can also produce prints on continuous feed paper at high speeds, making them suitable for tasks that require a large volume of prints. However, line printers are noisy, bulky, and have limited print quality compared to modern printers. They are also slower and less versatile when it comes to printing graphics or complex images.

The Legacy of Line Printers

While line printers have largely been replaced by faster and more advanced printing technologies like laser and inkjet printers, their legacy lives on in the history of computing. They played a crucial role in the early days of computer systems, providing a reliable way to produce hard copies of data output. Today, line printers are mostly found in museums or vintage computing collections, serving as a reminder of how far printing technology has come.


Line printer Examples

  1. The line printer quickly produced copies of the report.
  2. The line printer is an essential tool for printing large batches of documents.
  3. My office recently upgraded to a high-speed line printer for faster printing.
  4. The line printer was used to create multiple copies of the contract.
  5. The company invested in a new line printer to improve efficiency in the office.
  6. I prefer using a line printer for printing text documents.
  7. The line printer is capable of printing hundreds of pages in a short amount of time.
  8. The line printer had a paper jam that needed to be fixed.
  9. Our department shares a line printer for all our printing needs.
  10. The line printer at the library is always in high demand.


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  • Updated 26/04/2024 - 04:15:54