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Developer Dictionary

Runtime

Definition

The period of time when a program is running.

Deep Dive

Runtime refers to the period during which a computer program is actively executing instructions, from its initiation until its termination. It encompasses all the operations a program performs, including memory allocation, I/O operations, function calls, and error handling. This phase is distinct from "compile-time," where source code is translated into an executable form, and it's where the actual processing of data and user interaction occurs.

Examples & Use Cases

  • 1A user launching and interacting with a desktop word processor
  • 2The period a video game is played from startup to exit
  • 3A web server processing client requests continuously.

Related Terms

Compile-timeExecution EnvironmentDebugging

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