Low Latency refers to the minimal delay between the input or request for data and the response or action taken by a system. In networking, software applications, and cloud services, low latency is a key performance indicator (KPI) that directly affects the user experience and the efficiency of data transmission. Achieving low latency is crucial for applications that require real-time processing, such as video conferencing, online gaming, financial trading, and IoT systems.

Latency is measured in milliseconds (ms) and represents the time it takes for data to travel from the source to the destination and back. Low latency systems are optimized to reduce this round-trip time, ensuring faster communication and data retrieval.

Factors contributing to low latency include:

Network Distance: Shortening the physical distance between the user and the server, often through content delivery networks (CDNs) and edge computing, helps reduce latency.
Efficient Code: Optimizing software to handle tasks quickly without introducing unnecessary delays or bottlenecks.
Hardware Performance: Using faster, more powerful hardware can help reduce the processing time for data.
In summary, low latency is essential for delivering fast, responsive experiences in applications that rely on real-time data transmission. It directly impacts the performance and usability of systems, making it a critical aspect of modern, high-performance computing and networking.