Latency Compensation
Latency compensation is a software design pattern used in distributed systems, particularly in real-time applications, to mask network delays by simulating immediate responses on the client side. It allows users to perceive interactions as instantaneous, even when data must be synchronized with a server over a network with inherent latency. This technique is commonly implemented by predicting server responses locally and reconciling any discrepancies once the actual server response arrives.
Developers should learn and use latency compensation when building real-time applications like multiplayer games, collaborative editing tools, or chat applications where user experience depends on seamless, immediate feedback. It is essential in scenarios where network latency could disrupt the fluidity of interactions, as it enhances perceived performance and responsiveness by allowing clients to operate optimistically without waiting for server confirmation.