What is meant by "real-time processing"?

Real-time processing refers to the immediate processing of data as it is input, making it possible for the information to be available for use almost instantaneously. This system enables organizations to respond quickly to changing data and event occurrences, facilitating timely decision-making and operations across various sectors.

For instance, in a banking system, when a customer conducts a transaction, real-time processing allows that transaction to be reflected immediately in the account balance, which is critical for both customer satisfaction and operational accuracy. This capability is essential in high-stakes environments such as financial markets, emergency services, or other situations where every second counts.

The other options describe different forms of data processing that do not emphasize immediacy. Processing data in batches every hour, overnight processing, and delayed processing all involve waiting periods before data is processed or acted upon, contrasting sharply with the immediacy characteristic of real-time processing.