Grade 11 · Theory
Overview of processing techniques
Software · about 4 min
Visual overview: Overview of processing techniques1 MIN READ
2 study sections · pause after each one and recall the key ideaSystems process work in different patterns depending on urgency and volume: immediately, in scheduled batches, or continuously in real time.
Key points- Batch processing: transactions collected and processed together later (payroll, monthly statements) — efficient, not immediate.
- Real-time processing: input processed instantly and output affects what happens next (air traffic control, game physics).
- Online/transaction processing: each transaction handled as it arrives (ATM withdrawals, ticket bookings).
- Multitasking, multithreading and multiprocessing let one system make progress on many jobs.
- Choice depends on how quickly results are needed and the cost of delay.
- Batch vs real-time — delayed bulk processing vs immediate response.
- Multithreading — one program doing several things concurrently.
EXAM TIP
classify given scenarios into batch / real-time / online transaction processing and justify with the timing requirement.