wozniak@utkux1.utk.edu (Bryon Lape) (12/18/89)
Could someone please give me a good definition for real time processes. -bryon-
edlee@chinet.chi.il.us (Edward Lee) (12/22/89)
In article <1514@utkcs2.cs.utk.edu> wozniak@utkux1.utk.edu (Bryon Lape) writes: > > Could someone please give me a good definition for real time >processes. > > >-bryon- REAL-TIME PROGRAM. n. A program that receives a stream of data from an external source and processes, or acts on, a unit of data before or just as another unit of data is received. There is a large number of potential applications for real-time programming, particularly for military purposes. The original sidewinder missile comes to mind. Side-winding is a rather inefficient way for a missile to travel, since the shortest path between two points is a straight line. Perhaps the original sidewinder had slower software, hardware, or both. Modern sidewinders probably process incoming data in a manner closer to real time and thus travel more efficient paths. I believe that the first time I saw the "real time" terminology was several years ago in advertisements in Aviation Week for programmers familar with real-time applications. A potential non-military, real-time application that comes to mind is the reporting of changing stock prices with minimal delay. -Ed L