Question

_______________ is information a program gathers from the outside world.

Short answer

Answer: The term "Input" refers to the information a program gathers from the outside world. It works by receiving data from external sources like users, other programs, or devices, and processing it according to the program's algorithm to perform its intended function. Inputs can come from various sources and may generate an output based on the program's specific function.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the missing term

The term we are looking for is "Input." Input is the information a program gathers from the outside world.

Explain what Input is

Input refers to the data or information that is provided to a program or system from an external source, such as a user, another program, or a device. This data is then used by the program to perform its intended function.

Explain how Input works in a program

When a program receives input, it processes the information according to the program's algorithm, which is essentially a set of instructions for how the program should function. The input data can be received through various methods, such as a user entering data via a keyboard, a sensor gathering data from the environment, or a file being read by the program. Once the input data is received, the program processes it and may generate an output or result based on the input and the program's specific function.

Provide an example of Input

Let's consider a simple calculator program. In this program, the user inputs two numbers (e.g., 'a' and 'b'), and the operation they want to perform on those numbers (e.g., addition, subtraction, etc.). The input data would be the two numbers and the operation. The program then processes these inputs according to its specific algorithm and provides the output, which is the result of the chosen operation applied to the two input numbers.

Summarize the concept of Input

To summarize, input is the information or data that a program gathers from the outside world. This data is then processed by the program based on its algorithm, and the program may generate an output in response to the input. Inputs can come from various sources, such as users, other programs, or devices, depending on the specific program and function.