garbage in, garbage out
proverb1
Computing, Engineering, Human sciences, Information technology, Linguistics, Mathematics, Natural sciences, Physical sciences, Sciences, Translation studies If input data are not complete, accurate, and timely, then the resulting output is unreliable and useless. If the input is junk, then the output is junk.
- Officials explained that the quality of the computer's work depends on the quality of the data fed into it. Neil Hoke, administrative assistant to Stewart, quoted an adage of computer men: "Garbage in, garbage out."1963 April 1, Raymond Crowley, “Robot Tax Collector Seeks Indications of 'Fudging'”, in Times Daily, Alabama, USA, retrieved 26 Jul 2010:
- The old caveat "GIGO"—garbage in, garbage out—is as valid in architectural design as in any other computer-aided activity.2008, Roger K. Lewis, "'In Architectural Design, Brains and Talent Trump the Best Software," Washington Post, 19 July (retrieved 26 July 2010)
- Synonyms
- GIGO, rubbish in, rubbish out
- Related terms
- ask a silly question, get a silly answer