3. Interactive or Transactional processing

Inputs are noted by the computer, but it deals with them after a short delay. It spends that delay handling other inputs and managing data movements.

The delay may be so brief that it looks to you as if it has happened straight away. But in terms of 'computer time', where each computer cycle is far less than a millionth of a second, it will have spent many cycles doing other things.

For example:

• Booking pop concert tickets
• Ordering books online
• Handling bank accounts
• Booking a holiday

Interactive processing takes place one transaction at a time.

Once the transaction is accepted, the database will be updated. For example, if you use an online system to book a hotel room, you will fill in a web form, submit it and it will come back to inform you of the room you have booked.

The user interface is very important with interactive processing. It must be clear, intuitive, easy to use and responsive. Usually a fair bit of data validation also takes place to ensure the correct input data is present. For instance the form may check that you have entered an address or telephone number.

A graphical user interface is the most common type of interface for transactional or interactive processing.