Which output device is commonly used to express coded characters as hard copy?

The output device that is commonly used to express coded characters as hard copy is a printer. Printers are designed specifically for producing physical representations of digital data, which includes text and graphics, making them invaluable for generating documents, reports, and other printed materials.

When data such as coded characters is sent to a printer, it translates the digital information into a format that can be printed on paper, thus providing a tangible output. This functionality is crucial in many environments, especially where documentation is required, such as in aviation operations for keeping records, manuals, or logs.

In contrast, monitors display data visually on a screen but do not produce hard copies. Plotters are used primarily for producing large, high-precision graphics, often related to engineering and architectural designs, instead of standard text output. Speakers convert electrical signals into sound, serving an entirely different purpose unrelated to character printing or hard copy production.