In computer science, input refers to providing or giving something to the computer, such as a command or signal from an external source). Any information or data sent to a computer for processing is considered input, and it is sent to the computer using an input device such as a keyboard, mouse, microphone, webcam, touchpad, touch screen, graphics tablet, scanner, or switch. Input can also come from a piece of software, and it is the act of entering data into a computer.
Input can take many forms, including energy, money, or information that is put into a system, organization, or machine so that it can operate. It can also be used as a verb when referring to the act of entering data into a computer. The opposite of input is output, which refers to the data or commands that are sent from a computer to a device such as a display monitor or printer.
