The act of safely removing a Secure Digital (SD) card from a macOS computer prevents data corruption and ensures the integrity of the files stored on the card. Improper removal can interrupt ongoing read or write processes, leading to data loss or file system errors.
Safely disconnecting external storage devices is a standard practice across operating systems, originating from the early days of computing when data buffering and caching were more prevalent. This precaution minimizes the risk of data loss or drive damage. Adhering to proper ejection procedures protects both the storage device and the data it contains.