On the fly
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[edit] Colloquial usage
In colloquial use, on the fly means something created when needed. The phrase is used to mean:
- something that was not planned ahead
- changes that are made during the execution of some activity: ex tempore, impromptu.
[edit] Automotive usage
In reference to four-wheel drive vehicles, this term refers to the ability to change from two to four-wheel drive while the car is in gear and moving.[1]
[edit] Sports usage
In ice hockey, the majority of line changes occur "on the fly", that is, while play is still ongoing. Players leap over the boards as quickly as possible as their line is substituted in to avoid any prolonged shifts and to ensure that fresh players remain on the ice as often as possible.
[edit] Computer usage
A computer can compute results on the fly, or retrieve a previously stored result.
It can mean to make a copy of a removable media (CD-ROM, DVD, etc) directly, without first saving the source on an intermediate medium (a harddisk); for example, copying a CD-ROM from a CD-ROM drive to a CD-Writer drive.[2]
When used for encrypted data storage, on the fly the data stream is automatically encrypted as it is written and decrypted when read back again, transparently to software. The acronym OTFE is typically used.
On-the-fly programming is the technique of modifying a program without stopping it.[3]
A similar concept, Hot swapping, refers to on-the-fly replacement of computer hardware.
[edit] References
- ^ Walczak, Jim, 4WD vs 2WD: The Differences Between 4x4 And 4x2, About.com, http://4wheeldrive.about.com/cs/offroadingtips/a/aa021401a.htm, retrieved on 2009-05-04
- ^ , http://www.freeotfe.org/, retrieved on 2009-05-04
- ^ Wang, G. E.; Cook, Perry (2002-present), On-the-fly Programming, Princeton University, http://on-the-fly.cs.princeton.edu/, retrieved on 2009-05-04]
