Progressive download
Progressive download is a method of downloading digital media files from a server to a client in a way that allows the user to begin playback before the entire file has been transferred. This technique is commonly used for streaming video and audio content over the Internet.
Overview[edit | edit source]
Progressive download works by downloading the initial portion of a media file first, allowing the user to start viewing or listening to the content almost immediately. As the user consumes the media, the rest of the file continues to download in the background. This is different from streaming media, where the content is played directly from the server without being saved to the user's device.
How It Works[edit | edit source]
When a user requests a media file, the server begins to send the file in small chunks. The media player on the client side buffers a portion of the file and starts playback once enough data has been received to ensure smooth playback. The player continues to download the remaining data while the user watches or listens to the content.
Advantages[edit | edit source]
- Reduced Wait Time: Users can start consuming content almost immediately without waiting for the entire file to download.
- Offline Access: Once the file is fully downloaded, it can be accessed offline, unlike streaming media which requires a continuous internet connection.
- Bandwidth Efficiency: Progressive download can be more bandwidth-efficient as it allows for adaptive bitrate streaming, adjusting the quality of the media based on the user's internet speed.
Disadvantages[edit | edit source]
- Storage Requirements: The entire file is stored on the user's device, which can consume significant storage space.
- Initial Buffering: There may be a short delay at the beginning while the initial portion of the file is buffered.
Applications[edit | edit source]
Progressive download is widely used in various applications, including:
- Video on demand services
- Podcast distribution
- Online education platforms
- Music streaming services
Related Technologies[edit | edit source]
See Also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
External Links[edit | edit source]
 | This technology-related article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it. |
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
