Associate Safety Professional Practice Exam

What does the term "batch" refer to in the context of computer tasking?

1. A one-time execution of a program

2. The technique of executing a set of programs in series

3. A method for random data processing

4. An algorithm for real-time processing

The correct answer is: The technique of executing a set of programs in series

The term "batch" in the context of computer tasking refers to the technique of executing a set of programs in series. This method allows multiple tasks to be processed without manual intervention, making it efficient for handling large volumes of data. In batch processing, jobs are collected, grouped, and processed together, usually at scheduled times or when resources are available. This approach minimizes the need for constant user interaction and allows for better resource management, as the system can optimize the scheduling and execution of tasks collectively. By processing jobs in batches, organizations can improve performance, reduce overhead, and achieve efficient resource utilization compared to executing programs one by one or in real-time scenarios. This method is commonly used in scenarios such as payroll systems, end-of-day processing, and any situation where jobs can be queued and executed sequentially.