What does GIGO stand for?

The term GIGO stands for "Garbage in, garbage out." This concept is fundamental in the fields of data processing and computer science, emphasizing that the quality of output is determined by the quality of the input. When data that is inaccurate, incomplete, or poorly formatted is entered into a system, the results produced by that system will likewise be flawed or nonsensical. This principle highlights the importance of ensuring that data is clean and accurate before processing it in order to achieve reliable and meaningful results.

In contrast, options that suggest "Good input, good output" or use generalized terms like "General input, general output" fail to address the core tenet of the GIGO principle, which is focused on the consequences of poor-quality data. Similarly, the option "Gracious information, gracious operations" does not relate to data integrity or its impact on processing outcomes. Understanding GIGO is essential for anyone working with data to ensure that results are trustworthy and useful.