What Is Input/Output (I/O)?

Input/output (I/O), in computing, is a communication process between a computer and the outside world. It includes all the ways input and output devices can connect with your computer. It's also how software interacts with hardware—for example, when your mouse clicks on something on your screen. Input/output, or I/O, is a communication process between a computer and the outside world. It is often used to interchange data between a computer system, such as a program or application, and an external device, such as a printer or mouse. The computer sends data to the device through input and receives data from it through output. For a computer to be able to communicate with the outside world, it needs to have something called an interface. An interface is simply an adapter that converts the signals sent by one device into signals that another device can understand. For example, if you wanted your computer to send something to a printer, you would need an interface adapter that converts the digital signals on your computer into analog signals that printers can understand. The relationship between a computer and its users is a simple one. At its most basic level, an information system (IS), such as a software application, is installed on a computer. Its users in the outside world operate the computer to get solutions to problems. Input refers to the signals or instructions sent to the computer. Output refers to the signals sent out from the computer. Input/Output (I/O) is not just about computers; it's also about people and organizations, which constantly exchange information with each other in various ways. For example, when you fill out an online form, you provide input into someone else's system (the website you're visiting). When you receive a confirmation email from Amazon after you buy something from them via their website, that's output from Amazon's system for your benefit.