Runtime

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. The length of time that a software application operates while executing tasks
2. The total duration from the initiation to the completion of a computer program's processes
3. The period during which a software program is active and performing its operations ; a software platform that provides necessary services and resources for running applications

Etymology: "Runtime" is a compound of "run" and "time," and the sense "software active time" grows directly out of the older phrase "run-time." The hyphenated form appeared first, and the closed spelling "runtime" is a later variant of the same compound. Both parts are plain English words: "run" in the sense of a machine or program operating, and "time" in the sense of a period during which something is happening. The term refers to the stretch when a program is actually executing, as opposed to the earlier stages of writing, compiling or installing it. Runtime environments and runtime errors are named for that same phase. The compound simply names the moment when code is running.

Synonyms: operating time, execution time