Input
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The term input has a variety of uses in different fields.
Information processing
In information processing, input refers to either information received or the process of receiving it:
- In human-computer interaction, input is the information produced by the user with the purpose of controlling the computer program. The user interface determines what kinds of input the program accepts (for example, control strings or text typed with keyboard and mouse clicks).
- Input also comes from networks and storage devices such as disk drives.
- 1 and 2 are the inputs while 3 is the output.
Control theory
In control theory, the inputs of a system are the signals that can be observed or affected that feed into the system. Specifically, inputs are differentiated from states.
Equity theory
In equity theory, inputs are the skills, time, effort, expertise, experience or qualifications that an employee brings to his job.
Economic theory
In economics, inputs refer to priced or unpriced resources used in a production process, and outputs refer to the priced or unpriced results of that process. Normally, inputs are regarded as costs, and outputs as products. Outputs may be valued gross (before deduction of costs from sales) or net (after deduction of costs from sales). Input-output economics was popularised by the economist Wassily Leontief who devised an ingenious system of input and output accounts and matrices to analyse the flows of goods and services between different sectors of a national economy. In national accounts an attempt is made to value national inputs and outputs according to consistent valuation principles, to measure the creation and distribution of wealth.
See also
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