Prefetching

Prefetching is a computational technique used in computer science and data processing, where data or instructions are fetched and loaded into a cache or memory before they are needed for immediate processing. This anticipatory action helps to improve overall system performance and efficiency by minimizing delays during data retrieval, enabling a smoother and faster user experience. prefetching is commonly employed in operating systems, web browsers, and databases.

Prefetching meaning with examples

• In modern web browsers, prefetching is utilized to load web pages faster by predicting the user’s next destination. When you hover over a link, the browser prefetches the linked page in the background while you read the current page. This reduces loading times significantly, offering users an instant transition when they click the link, ultimately improving their browsing experience and engagement on the site.
• In video streaming applications, prefetching is essential for seamless playback. The platform can predict which next segments of the video the user is likely to watch based on their viewing behavior. By pre-downloading these segments in advance, users experience fewer buffering interruptions, creating a smoother viewing experience and allowing for greater enjoyment of content without frustrating delays.
• Database management systems often use prefetching techniques to improve query performance. By preloading frequently accessed data into memory based on anticipated queries, the system minimizes disk I/O operations. This proactive approach ensures that the most relevant data is readily available, significantly speeding up data retrieval times and enhancing the overall efficiency of the database during peak demand.
• In gaming, prefetching can be leveraged to enhance gameplay by anticipating user actions. By preloading game assets or levels based on player behavior, developers can greatly reduce lag times when transitioning between different parts of a game. This method creates a more immersive gaming experience, as players can switch between tasks and environments seamlessly without disruptive waiting times.

Prefetching Synonyms

advance loading, anticipation, anticipatory fetching, buffering, caching, data anticipation, data retrieval, early loading, early retrieval, fetching, forward fetching, predicted loading, predictive loading, preemptive loading, prefetch, prefetch strategy, prefetch technology, preloading, pre-reserving, proactive fetching

Prefetching Antonyms

asynchronous loading, backward fetching, buffered data, concurrent fetching, data deferral, deferred retrieval, delayed loading, first-use fetching, lag, lazy loading, non-anticipatory, post-fetching, predictable tasks, reactive fetching, sequential reading, slow loading, staging, stepwise retrieval, timed fetching, waiting