What does realtime web, or realtime data, actually mean?

Realtime data delivery is a crucial aspect of modern technology and communication. It refers to the instantaneous exchange of information without any delay, typically within 100 milliseconds. This concept differs from real-time events like watching the Titanic sink in real time, which took place in the past but was not live or interactive. Realtime data infrastructure is about providing an open, bi-directional, synchronous communication channel that enables immediate exchange of information between users and systems. Realtime experiences are different from traditional request/response models where a user sends a request and awaits a response. In realtime, data can be pushed to devices without the need for refreshing or requesting updates. Real-world examples include social media feeds that update in real time, live chat applications, and location tracking services like Uber. The shift towards realtime experiences is expected to change user expectations from traditional web interfaces. It may also lead to new paradigms in technology, such as "conversations as a platform," which emphasizes the importance of real-time communication channels for various applications.