Low Latency
Low latency refers to the minimal delay or lag in data transmission or processing within computing systems, networks, or applications. It is a critical performance metric that measures the time taken for a data packet to travel from source to destination, often expressed in milliseconds or microseconds. Achieving low latency is essential for real-time applications where immediate responsiveness is required.
Developers should focus on low latency when building systems that demand near-instantaneous interactions, such as high-frequency trading platforms, online gaming, video conferencing, and autonomous vehicles. It is also crucial for improving user experience in web applications, reducing load times, and ensuring smooth performance in distributed systems and cloud services.