The correct answer is: D. batch processing
Batch processing is a type of data processing where data is collected and processed in groups, or batches. This is in contrast to online processing, where data is processed as it is received. Batch processing is often used for tasks that are not time-critical, such as payroll processing or inventory management.
The idea of “generations” of data files is closely related to batch processing because batch processing often involves creating multiple versions of a data file, each of which is a “generation” of the file. For example, a company might create a batch file of sales data for each month. The first generation of the file would contain the sales data for the first month of the year, the second generation would contain the sales data for the second month, and so on.
The other options are not closely related to the idea of “generations” of data files.
- Transaction processing is a type of data processing where data is processed as it is entered into the system. This is in contrast to batch processing, where data is collected and processed in groups.
- Timesharing is a type of computing where multiple users share the same computer system. This is in contrast to batch processing, where a single user has exclusive access to the computer system.
- Realtime processing is a type of data processing where data is processed as it is received. This is in contrast to batch processing, where data is collected and processed in groups.