Garbage in, garbage out
phrase
In computing and analyst, refers to the concept that flawed or nonsense input will always produce flawed or nonsensical output.
If faulty data is input in a computer program, 'garbage in, garbage out'. The output will also be faulty.

Often appears as...
- data science
- computer programming
Usage tips
Formal
Technical
phrase
The idea that poor quality effort will produce poor results.
Your diet is all fast food but you complain about your health – garbage in, garbage out.

Often appears as...
- healthy lifestyle
- quality control
phrase
In computing and analyst, refers to the concept that flawed or nonsense input will always produce flawed or nonsensical output.
If faulty data is input in a computer program, 'garbage in, garbage out'. The output will also be faulty.

Often appears as...
- data science
- computer programming
Usage tips
Formal
Technical
phrase
The idea that poor quality effort will produce poor results.
Your diet is all fast food but you complain about your health – garbage in, garbage out.

Often appears as...
- healthy lifestyle
- quality control
Definition 1 of 2

Precision Matters
Accurate data is crucial when programming; errors can lead to unexpected and unreliable results.

Double-check the user input fields to avoid a classic case of 'garbage in, garbage out' in our software.
Analyst's Reminder
A reminder that analysts must verify data before using it to avoid misleading outcomes.

Without proper validation, any statistical model will suffer from 'garbage in, garbage out'.
Not a Malfunction
This phrase doesn't mean a system is broken, but that it's only as good as the data entered.

The forecast was off not because of the algorithm, but because of 'garbage in, garbage out'.
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