Scratch tape

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In data processing, a scratch tape is a magnetic tape that is used for temporary storage and can be reused or erased after the completion of a job or processing run.{{cite encyclopedia |url=https://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia_term/0,2542,t=scratch+tape&i=50900,00.asp |title=scratch tape |encyclopedia=Encyclopedia |publisher=PC Magazine}} During the early years of computing, when magnetic tape was the primary form of mass storage, many programs, notably sorting routines, required such temporary storage.