What is a core memory?

Core memory, also known as magnetic core memory, was a type of computer memory used in the early days of computing in the 1950s and 1960s. It was a non-volatile form of memory that stored data by magnetizing small magnetic cores. Each core represented one bit of data, and could be magnetized in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction to represent a 0 or 1.

Core memory was known for its reliability, durability, and speed compared to other forms of memory at the time. It was also relatively easy to manufacture and maintain, making it a popular choice for many early computers.

However, core memory was expensive to produce and had limited capacity, as each core could only store one bit of data. As technology advanced, core memory was eventually replaced by newer types of memory, such as semiconductor memory (e.g. RAM), which offered higher capacities and faster access times.

Despite its obsolescence, core memory remains an important part of computing history and is still used in some specialized applications where reliability and durability are critical.