Edge Computing
Processing data closer to users at the network edge rather than centralized servers.
Definition
Edge computing processes data at locations closer to users rather than in centralized data centers. This reduces latency, enables faster responses, and can handle use cases where real-time processing is critical. For web applications, edge functions run code at CDN locations worldwide.
Why It Matters
Edge computing enables experiences that weren't previously possible due to latency constraints. It's increasingly important for real-time applications, personalization, and global performance optimization.
Examples in Practice
Cloudflare Workers running authentication logic at edge locations. Vercel Edge Functions personalizing content based on location. IoT devices processing sensor data locally before sending summaries to the cloud.