What does "real-time data processing" mean?

Real-time data processing refers to the immediate analysis of data as it is generated or received. This means that the system is capable of handling data instantly, allowing for immediate insights and responses. For example, in applications like online transaction processing, monitoring systems, or social media feeds, the information needs to be processed continuously and without delay to provide timely feedback or analytics. This capability is crucial in scenarios where decisions must be made quickly based on the most current data.

The other options pertain to different methodologies of handling data. Scheduled interval analysis indicates data is processed at predefined times rather than immediately, while storing data for later analysis clearly signifies a delay in processing. Batch processing involves collecting data over a period before analyzing it, which contrasts with the immediacy required in real-time processing.