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Streaming is the continuous transmission of multimedia content, such as audio or video, over a network for instant consumption without the need for a full download. A computer "streams" data in small packets, which are played as they arrive, rather than saving the entire file first. This process is used for services like Netflix, Spotify, and live broadcasts on platforms like Twitch and YouTube.

Key terms and concepts

Streaming: The act of transmitting data, like video or audio, in a continuous stream over the internet for immediate playback.

Bandwidth: The volume of data that can be transferred over an internet connection per unit of time. Sufficient bandwidth is crucial for smooth streaming, with higher-definition content requiring more bandwidth.

Bitrate: The rate at which data is transferred. A higher bitrate can result in better quality for audio and video but requires more bandwidth.

On-demand streaming: Content that is available to watch or listen to whenever you want, such as movies on Netflix.

Live streaming: Broadcasting content in real-time, such as a live video game on Twitch or a breaking news event.

Broadcaster: The person or company that is live streaming content to a public audience.

Streaming client: The device, like a computer, that is receiving and playing the streamed content.

Streaming service: A service or platform that delivers content via streaming, such as Spotify for music or YouTube for videos.

Packet: The small, manageable chunks of data that a file is broken into for transmission over a network. The computer reconstructs these packets to play the content.