Definition

1. Noun:
   • (Computing) The length of time it takes for a software program to execute or complete its tasks. This refers to the duration a program is actively being processed by a computer's CPU.
   • (Computing) The time at which a software or multimedia program is executed or launched. This refers to the specific moment or period when a program is running, as opposed to when it is being compiled or installed.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Duration):
  • The algorithm's run-time was reduced from two hours to just fifteen minutes after optimization.
  • We need to measure the run-time of this script to identify performance bottlenecks.
• Noun (Execution Period):
  • A run-time error occurred when the user entered invalid data.
  • The application loads necessary libraries at run-time.

Advanced Usage

• "Run-time environment": The set of software services (like libraries and system resources) that a program needs to function while it is executing.
  • The Java Virtual Machine provides a run-time environment for Java applications.
• "Run-time system": The software that supports the execution of a program, often managing memory, input/output, and other core services.
  • The language's run-time system handles garbage collection automatically.

Variants and Related Words

• Runtime (adj/noun): Often written as a single word, especially when used as an adjective (e.g., a runtime library).
  • The software includes several runtime components.
• Executor (noun): A system or component that executes a program.
• Execution time (noun phrase): A synonym for the duration sense of run-time.

Synonyms

• Execution duration: For the length-of-time meaning.
• Execution period: For the time-at-which meaning.

Related Phrases

• Compile-time: The time during which source code is translated into machine code, which contrasts with run-time.
  • That error is caught at compile-time, not at run-time.
• Real-time: Refers to systems that process data almost immediately, often within a strict time constraint.
  • Aircraft control systems require real-time processing, not just fast run-time.

Noun

1. (computer science) the length of time it takes to execute a software program
2. the time at which a (software or multimedia) program is run