inputs

What computers receive

Inputs are things that go into a system, process, or operation—whether raw materials fed into a factory, data entered into a computer, or effort invested in a project.

The term spans contexts from economics (labor and capital as inputs to production) to electronics (where an input jack receives a signal) to everyday usage: I appreciate your inputs on this decision.

As a verb, to input means to enter data or information into a system.

She inputs the figures into the spreadsheet every morning.

devices

keyboard

Array of input keys

scanner · webcam · joystick · trackpad · stylus · gamepad · controller · sensor · camera · remote

interface

menu

List of available dishes

icon · cursor · prompt · navigation · feedback · dropdown · scroll · click · tap · swipe

data

entry

Access or submission

  • fieldArea of specialty
  • formShape or document
  • textWritten or printed words

value · parameter · variable · query · prompt · command · submission · upload · file · record

access

password

Authentication string

  • PINAuthentication number sequence
  • credentialProof of qualification
  • loginAuthentication act or screen

authentication · passcode · biometrics · fingerprint · keycard · token · verification · unlock · clearance · authorization

contribution

feedback

Returned response data

idea · response · recommendation · vote · survey · questionnaire · consultation · stakeholder · participant · audience

Categories
Opposites
system flow direction

inputsoutputs

Results produced by something

outflows · results · outcomes · products · end products

economic/production role

inputsoutputs

Results produced by something

products · goods · yields · production · revenue

contribution versus extraction

inputsoutputs

Results produced by something

withdrawals · extractions · takeaways · draws · removals

Phrases
Family

input, inputting, inputted

Familiarity
Top 50,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Everyday, not technical · Rated G