Systems
Latency
Plain English
The delay before something happens.
Definition
Latency is the time delay between a user action and the glossarySystemA system is a collection of interconnected components that work together to achieve a specific function or outcome.Open glossary term glossaryResponseA response is the data or result returned by a server after receiving a request.Open glossary term.
In practice
Measured in milliseconds and critical for real-time glossaryInteractionInteraction refers to any action a user takes within a product and how the system responds. It includes clicks, taps, gestures, and inputs that drive the user experience.Open glossary term and glossaryResponsivenessResponsiveness is how well a design adapts across screen sizes and devices, keeping content readable and actions reachable at any width. It relies on fluid layouts rather than fixed dimensions.Open glossary term.
In context
It compounds invisibly. Four sequential calls at 200ms each is a page that takes most of a second before anything is drawn, and no single call looks slow.
The reality
Even small increases in latency can significantly impact serviceUser ExperienceImprove journeys, reduce friction, and make digital products clearer, simpler, and easier to move through.Open service.
Compared with
Latency vs Throughput
Latency is how long one glossaryRequestA request is an action sent from a client to a server asking for data or a service.Open glossary term takes. glossaryThroughputThroughput is the amount of work or number of requests a system can handle over a period of time.Open glossary term is how many can be handled at once. Optimising for throughput can raise latency, and for interactive glossaryInterfaceAn interface is the point of interaction between a user and a system, where inputs are made and outputs are received. It can be visual, physical, or conversational.Open glossary term that is usually the wrong trade.
FAQ
Common questions
A few practical answers to the questions that usually come up around this term.
What is latency?
It is the delay between a glossaryRequestA request is an action sent from a client to a server asking for data or a service.Open glossary term and glossaryResponseA response is the data or result returned by a server after receiving a request.Open glossary term.
Why is latency important?
It affects how responsive a glossarySystemA system is a collection of interconnected components that work together to achieve a specific function or outcome.Open glossary term feels.
What causes high latency?
Network delays, processing time, and glossarySystem LoadSystem load refers to the amount of demand placed on a system at a given time.Open glossary term.
How do you reduce latency?
By optimising glossaryInfrastructureInfrastructure refers to the underlying systems and resources that support applications and services.Open glossary term and reducing processing time.
Related Services
Related Guides
Related Terms
