Jacquard Card

A Jacquard card is a punched paper card used in early textile manufacturing and computing to control pattern weaving or data input. It contains holes arranged in specific patterns, representing instructions or design details. In weaving, the card guides the loom to produce intricate woven patterns by controlling which threads lift or stay down. In early computing, similar cards stored and fed data into machines. The concept was pivotal in automating complex tasks, influencing the development of programmable machines and early computer technology. Essentially, Jacquard cards are physical, programmable data carriers used for pattern control and automation.