Latency is the amount of time it takes for data, a request, or an action to travel from its starting point to the point where a response or result is received. It is commonly measured in milliseconds, with lower latency meaning faster communication or response. In computing, latency can occur when data travels across networks, when software processes a request, or when a system accesses stored information. The total delay depends on factors such as distance, network conditions, processing time, and system workload.
For example, in an online video call, high latency can cause noticeable delays between people speaking and hearing responses. Low latency makes communication feel immediate and natural. It is important in gaming, financial systems, video conferencing, cloud applications, autonomous vehicles, and real-time data processing where quick responses improve performance and user experience.
