batch processing
    n 1: the serial execution of computer programs

	

	batch processing
batch

    A system that takes a sequence (a "batch") of
   commands or jobs, executes them and returns the results, all
   without human intervention.  This contrasts with an
   interactive system where the user's commands and the
   computer's responses are interleaved during a single run.

   A batch system typically takes its commands from a disk file
   (or a set of punched cards or magnetic tape in the
   mainframe days) and returns the results to a file (or prints
   them).  Often there is a queue of jobs which the system
   processes as resources become available.

   Since the advent of the personal computer, the term "batch"
   has come to mean automating frequently performed tasks that
   would otherwise be done interactively by storing those
   commands in a "batch file" or "script".  Usually this file
   is read by some kind of command interpreter but batch
   processing is sometimes used with GUI-based applications that
   define script equivalents for menu selections and other mouse
   actions.  Such a recorded sequence of GUI actions is sometimes
   called a "macro".  This may only exist in memory and may not
   be saved to disk whereas a batch normally implies something
   stored on disk.

   Unix cron jobs and Windows scheduled tasks are batch
   processing started at a predefined time by the system whereas
   mainframe batch jobs were typically initiated by an operator
   loading them into a queue.

   (2009-09-14)