real time

real time
    n 1: the actual time that it takes a process to occur;
         "information is updated in real time"
    2: (computer science) the time it takes for a process under
       computer control to occur
    

real time


   1. [techspeak] adj. 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 {canonical} example. Such applications often require
   special operating systems (because everything else must take a back
   seat to response time) and speed-tuned hardware.

   2. adv. 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."