Continuously processing data records as they arrive in real time, rather than storing them first and processing in bulk. Like a moving conveyor belt that processes items one by one as they flow through, rather than waiting for a full batch. Core services include Apache Kafka (AWS MSK, Confluent), AWS Kinesis, GCP Dataflow, Azure Stream Analytics, and Apache Flink.
A ride-sharing app uses stream processing to analyze GPS coordinates from thousands of drivers in real time. Each location update is processed instantly to match nearby drivers with passengers, calculate ETAs, and detect surge pricing zones.