Punch cards, also known as punch cards or perforated cards, were once a staple of early computing and data processing in the United Kingdom. These thick pieces of paper, typically measuring about 7.5 by 3.25 inches, contained rows and columns of holes punched in specific patterns to represent information.

In the early and mid-20th century, they were widely used in various industries, from manufacturing to academia, to input and store data. The cards were fed into machines that could read the punched holes, allowing for automated sorting, counting, and data analysis.

Despite their utility, the arrival of more advanced computing technologies in the latter half of the 20th century led to the decline of punch cards. They have since become a nostalgic symbol of the early days of computing, still fondly remembered by those who worked with them as a fundamental stepping stone in the evolution of modern data processing. Today, while they have largely been replaced by digital formats, their legacy continues in the way we conceptualise information storage and retrieval.