Data processing | Information engineering
Interactive on-line | Batch | Transaction

Definitions

Interactive on-line data processing

Conversational type of system
Continuous dialog can take place between operator and computer
The computer prompts data entry
Immediate response to errors

Batch data processing

A mode of processing where transactions (data) are collected and held for a period of time before being used to update the master-file or database.

Transaction

In commerce,

An exchange of one item for another (eg: in a cash sale, cash is exchanged for merchandise)

In data processing,

Any event that generates an input to a DP system

In batch processing,

A single record of data representing a modification to be made to a master-file

In Database Management System/Transaction Processing (DBMS/TP) Systems

A unit of processing, triggered by an external event, often involving several changes to the database. The construct is used to guard the integrity of the database being updated.