Interactive computing
Encyclopedia
In computer science
, interactive computing refers to software which accepts input from humans — for example, data or commands. Interactive software includes most popular programs, such as word processor
s or spreadsheet
applications
. By comparison, noninteractive programs operate without human contact; examples of these include compiler
s and batch processing
applications. If the response is complex enough it is said that the system is conducting social interaction and some systems try to achieve this through the implementation of social interfaces.
The nature of interactive computing as well as its impact on humans are studied extensively in the field of Human-computer interaction.
Computer science
Computer science or computing science is the study of the theoretical foundations of information and computation and of practical techniques for their implementation and application in computer systems...
, interactive computing refers to software which accepts input from humans — for example, data or commands. Interactive software includes most popular programs, such as word processor
Word processor
A word processor is a computer application used for the production of any sort of printable material....
s or spreadsheet
Spreadsheet
A spreadsheet is a computer application that simulates a paper accounting worksheet. It displays multiple cells usually in a two-dimensional matrix or grid consisting of rows and columns. Each cell contains alphanumeric text, numeric values or formulas...
applications
Application software
Application software, also known as an application or an "app", is computer software designed to help the user to perform specific tasks. Examples include enterprise software, accounting software, office suites, graphics software and media players. Many application programs deal principally with...
. By comparison, noninteractive programs operate without human contact; examples of these include compiler
Compiler
A compiler is a computer program that transforms source code written in a programming language into another computer language...
s and batch processing
Batch processing
Batch processing is execution of a series of programs on a computer without manual intervention.Batch jobs are set up so they can be run to completion without manual intervention, so all input data is preselected through scripts or command-line parameters...
applications. If the response is complex enough it is said that the system is conducting social interaction and some systems try to achieve this through the implementation of social interfaces.
The nature of interactive computing as well as its impact on humans are studied extensively in the field of Human-computer interaction.
See also
- InteractivityInteractivityIn the fields of information science, communication, and industrial design, there is debate over the meaning of interactivity. In the "contingency view" of interactivity, there are three levels:...
- Interactive computationInteractive computationIn computer science, interactive computation is a mathematical model for computation that involves communication with the external world during the computation...
- J. C. R. LickliderJ. C. R. LickliderJoseph Carl Robnett Licklider , known simply as J.C.R. or "Lick" was an American computer scientist, considered one of the most important figures in computer science and general computing history...
- Douglas EngelbartDouglas EngelbartDouglas Carl Engelbart is an American inventor, and an early computer and internet pioneer. He is best known for his work on the challenges of human-computer interaction, resulting in the invention of the computer mouse, and the development of hypertext, networked computers, and precursors to GUIs...