What Do You Understand by IPO Cycle?

The IPO cycle stands for Input-Process-Output cycle, which explains how a computer or system works by taking input, processing it, and giving output.

The IPO cycle is a basic concept in computer science and system design. It describes the three main stages of any operation — receiving data, performing operations on it, and producing results.

Structure of IPO Cycle

• Input: The data or information entered into a system (for example, numbers, text, or commands).
• Process: The system or machine performs operations on the input (like calculations or data sorting).
• Output: The final result or information produced by the process (such as a report, image, or message).

Example

If a user types two numbers into a calculator:

• Input = Two numbers (e.g., 2 and 3)
• Process = Addition
• Output = 5

This concept is used in computers, industries, and business systems to explain workflow and automation. It helps analyze how data moves through systems and where improvements can be made.