The formal definition of real-time refers to a system or process that is able to respond and provide output within a certain [[Time|time]] constraint, typically in milliseconds or microseconds. Real-time systems are designed to process and deliver data as it happens without any noticeable delay. A key aspect of real-time systems is their ability to handle time-critical tasks, where the timing requirements are crucial for successful operation. These requirements can include meeting deadlines, ensuring predictability, and maintaining synchronization with external events. Real-time systems can be categorized into hard real-time and soft real-time systems. Hard real-time systems have strict timing constraints where failure to meet a deadline can result in catastrophic consequences. Examples of such systems are flight control systems or medical devices. On the other hand, soft real-time systems have more relaxed timing requirements where occasional missed deadlines may not lead to severe consequences. Examples include multimedia streaming, online gaming, or navigation systems. To achieve real-time processing, various techniques and technologies are employed such as dedicated hardware, efficient algorithms, task scheduling, and precise timing synchronization mechanisms. Overall, the formal definition of real time emphasizes the ability to process and respond within specific time constraints for critical tasks.