Real-time

2 definitions found

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

  real-time
       adj : of or relating to computer systems that update information
             at the same rate they receive information

From The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (27 SEP 03) [foldoc]:



  real-time
       
          1. Describes an application which requires a program to
          respond to stimuli within some small upper limit of response
          time (typically milli- or microseconds).  Process control at a
          chemical plant is the classic example.  Such applications
          often require special operating systems (because everything
          else must take a back seat to response time) and speed-tuned
          hardware.
       
          2. In jargon, refers to doing something while people are
          watching or waiting.  "I asked her how to find the calling
          procedure's program counter on the stack and she came up with
          an algorithm in real time."
       
          Used to describe a system that must guarantee a response to an
          external event within a given time.
       
          (1997-11-23)