Real-time or real time describes various operations in computing or other processes that must guarantee response times within a specified time (deadline), usually a relatively short time. A real-time process is generally one that happens in defined time steps of maximum duration and fast enough to affect the environment in which it occurs, such as inputs to a computing system.
Examples of real-time operations include:
Computing
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Real-time computing
Real-time computing (RTC) is the computer science term for hardware and software systems subject to a "real-time constraint", for example from event to system response. Real-time programs must guarantee response within specified time constrai ...
, hardware and software systems subject to a specified time constraint
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Real-time clock, a computer clock that keeps track of the current time
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Real-time Control System, a reference model architecture suitable for software-intensive, real-time computing
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Real-time Programming Language
Real-time Programming Language (RPL) is a compiled database programming language used on CMC/Microdata/ McDonnell Douglas REALITY databases, derived and expanded from the PROC procedure language, with much extra functionality added. It was origi ...
, a compiled database programming language which expresses work to be done by a particular time
Applications
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Real-time computer graphics, sub-field of computer graphics focused on producing and analyzing images in real time
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Real-time camera
In 3D video games, a virtual camera system aims at controlling a camera or a set of cameras to display a view of a 3D virtual world. Camera systems are used in video games where their purpose is to show the action at the best possible angle; m ...
system, for controlling cameras in a 3D virtual environment
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Real-time operating system, for running real-time software
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Real-time protection
Antivirus software (abbreviated to AV software), also known as anti-malware, is a computer program used to prevent, detect, and remove malware.
Antivirus software was originally developed to detect and remove computer viruses, hence the name ...
, protection enabled constantly, rather than by, say, a virus scan
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Real-time text, transmitted as it is being typed or produced
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Real time Java, for real-time programs in Java
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Real-time disk encryption, encrypting data as it is written to disk
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Real-time web, whereby information is sent to users as it becomes available
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Live streaming, continuously delivering multimedia in real time
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Collaborative real-time editor
A collaborative real-time editor is a type of collaborative software or web application which enables real-time collaborative editing, simultaneous editing, or live editing of the same digital document, computer file or cloud-stored data – suc ...
, simultaneous editing of a document by several users
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Real-time simulation, simulation able to run at the same rate as reality
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Real-time Blackhole List, a DNS blacklist
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Real-time Cmix, a music programming language
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Real Time AudioSuite, an audio plug-in for Pro Tools
Other science and technology
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Real-time locating system, a system used to automatically identify and track the location of objects or people in real time
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Real-time gross settlement, an online system for settling financial transactions
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Real-time kinematic
Real-time kinematic positioning (RTK) is the application of surveying to correct for common errors in current satellite navigation (GNSS) systems. It uses measurements of the phase of the signal's carrier wave in addition to the information con ...
, a satellite navigation technique
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Real-time polymerase chain reaction, a laboratory technique which monitors target DNA during the PCR
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