Printer (computing)
Peripheral machine for durable text and graphics output.
A printer is a peripheral machine that produces a durable representation of graphics or text, usually on paper. While most output is human-readable, bar code printers are an example of an expanded use. Different types include 3D printers, inkjet printers, laser printers, and thermal printers.
- first computer printer design
- 19th century by Charles Babbage for his difference engine
Lore & Background
The first computer printer design was a mechanically driven apparatus by Charles Babbage for his difference engine in the 19th century, though it was not built until 2000. He also had plans for a curve plotter. R. Winston of Teletype Corporation, using continuous inkjet printing.
Reader's Guide
Printers evolved from mechanical designs to electrostatic inkjet, then to compact digital models. Starting around 2010, 3D printing became an area of intense interest, allowing creation of physical objects. As of the 2020s, 3D printing is a widespread hobby due to cheap kits, with the most common process being fused deposition modeling.
Did You Know?
- The first computer printer design was by Charles Babbage for his difference engine in the 19th century, but was not built until 2000.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a printer in computing?
A printer is a peripheral device that produces a permanent physical copy of digital text or graphics, most often on paper. While the vast majority of output is intended for human reading, specialized models such as bar code printers serve non-visual purposes as well.
What are the main types of printers?
Common categories include inkjet, laser, thermal, and 3D printers, each employing a distinct method to transfer or build the output. The right choice depends on factors like speed, cost per page, and the material being produced.
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