garbage in, garbage out

Cultural  

1. This saying points out the fact that a computer can do only what it is programmed to do and is only as good as the data it receives and the instructions it is given. If there is a logical error in software, or if incorrect data are entered, the result will probably be either a wrong answer or a system crash.

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The saying is sometimes shortened to “GIGO” (GUY-go).

Example Sentences

It's a prime example of a "garbage in, garbage out" problem.

From Salon • Sep. 26, 2022

In other words, the well-worn adage of computer scientists still applies in the whizzy world of AI: garbage in, garbage out.

From The Verge • May 24, 2022

As the programmers put it, garbage in, garbage out.

From Slate • Aug. 16, 2018

“It’s a classic garbage in, garbage out thing,” said Dan Gainor, vice president of business and culture for the conservative Media Research Center.

From Washington Times • May 16, 2016

Uh, hello – the computer industry has had a term for this for many years: it’s known as garbage in, garbage out.

From Forbes • Nov. 3, 2014