What does I/O stand for in computing?

In the context of computing, I/O stands for Input/Output. This term is fundamental to computer systems as it describes the communication between an information processing system (like a computer) and the outside world.

Input refers to any data or instructions sent to the computer system from external sources. This could involve user inputs through devices such as keyboards or mice, or data coming from network sources or storage devices. On the other hand, Output refers to the information produced by the computer system after processing. This can involve displaying results on a screen, sending data to a printer, or writing information back to a storage device.

Understanding I/O is crucial in all aspects of computing, as it underpins how users interact with systems and how different components of a system communicate. It forms the basis of system designs, performance evaluations, and various operational strategies within computing environments.