What is computer polling?

Computer polling refers to a computer communications technique that requires a central computer to continually check its connected terminals to establish whether they are ready to transmit data. This technique serves to ascertain the readiness of any terminal to send data from one end to another.

In general electronics communications, the term polling refers to the continuous examining of programs or other terminals using a dedicated program or terminal. This process ensures that each program or terminal is in a good state to communicate with others. For instance, a device must have a connection and be ready to send data before it begins to transmit.