Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Relating to computer systems that process data immediately as it is received: Describes a system or process where input data is processed and results are delivered so quickly that they can influence or control the ongoing process. The output is available virtually without delay.
   • Occurring or presented at the same time as an event: Used more broadly to describe the live, instantaneous nature of an event, communication, or data feed.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The air traffic control system requires real-time data to track aircraft positions safely.
  • We watched the real-time video feed from the Mars rover.
  • The software provides real-time translation during the video call.

Advanced Usage

• "in real time" (adverbial phrase): This phrase is commonly used to describe an action happening live or instantaneously.
  • The results were analyzed in real time as the experiment was running.
  • We were able to chat in real time despite being on different continents.

Variants and Related Words

• Real-time system (n): A specific type of computer system designed to respond to input within a strict time constraint.
  • The hospital's patient monitoring equipment is a critical real-time system.
• Real-time clock (n): A computer clock that keeps track of the current time, even when the system is powered off.

Synonyms

• Live: Broadcast or occurring as it happens (e.g., ).
• Instantaneous: Happening or done in an instant.
• Concurrent: Existing or happening at the same time.

Related Phrases

• Real-time processing (n): The immediate processing of computer data.
  • Financial trading platforms rely on real-time processing.
• Real-time communication (n): Communication where messages are transmitted with negligible latency, like instant messaging or VoIP calls.

Adjective

1. of or relating to computer systems that update information at the same rate they receive information