Definition
Streaming refers to the continuous ingestion and processing of data in real-time or near-real-time as it is generated. Unlike batch processing, which handles fixed datasets, streaming systems manage unbounded data flows with limited memory constraints. This requires algorithms capable of incremental updates and approximate results. Common technologies include Apache Kafka and Flink. Streaming is critical for applications requiring immediate insights, such as fraud detection, live monitoring, and dynamic recommendation engines, ensuring low latency and high throughput in distributed environments.
Summary
A data processing paradigm where information is processed continuously in small chunks as it arrives, rather than in large static batches.
Key Concepts
- Real-time processing
- Incremental updates
- Low latency
- Unbounded data
Use Cases
- Real-time fraud detection in financial transactions
- Live sensor data monitoring in IoT systems
- Dynamic content recommendation feeds