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transaction file

transaction file

1 5.2
A computer file that holds recent records of actions updated while the computer works
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : archivo de transacción
  • The software automatically generates a transaction file whenever you make changes.

Examples

  • Where input transaction volumes are high, the system's transaction files and databases are retained only long enough to perform editing functions and to summarize transaction information on the master database.

    Academic text (1992)
  • Nina, please save the data in this transaction file before we proceed.

  • He reviewed the transaction file to ensure all entries were correct before submission.

Synonyms

computer file
vstransaction file
13 2.2

A collection of information saved on a computer under a name

is limited to temporary task data that is updated or replaced during cycles
data file
vstransaction file
7 3.4

A file that a program uses to keep related information

is task-focused and holds temporary current data updated during processing
detail file
vstransaction file
  • Specialized
5.5

A computer file that holds temporary data for a specific task

is regularly updated or replaced during processing cycles

How Permanent

log
429 3.1
transaction file
  • Specialized
1 5.2
tmp
  • Specialized
1 7.8

Surface Forms

Morphology

transaction + file

The noun phrase 'transaction file' is compositional: it denotes a file that contains or relates to transactions, so a B1 learner who knows 'transaction' and 'file' can infer this basic meaning. The compound follows a common noun+noun pattern found in many languages and in computing terminology, so only deeper technical details about temporary or processing-cycle usage would require extra domain knowledge.

Etymology

The term transaction file comes from old bookkeeping, where clerks kept a small file of daily transactions and updated it as sales happened. Computers copied this idea, so a transaction file now means a short computer file that holds 'temporary' or 'current' data the system updates while it works.