on-the-fly
In the moment
On-the-fly describes something done quickly and spontaneously, without advance planning or preparation.
The phrase suggests improvisation and adaptability, often in response to changing circumstances.
We made adjustments on-the-fly as the situation evolved.
In computing, it refers to processing that happens during execution rather than beforehand: The software compresses files on-the-fly.
Whether used literally or technically, on-the-fly implies real-time action without stopping to deliberate.
Without advance preparation
- improvisedCreated without prior planning
- extemporeWithout prior preparation
- improvisationalWithout prior preparation
- unscriptedNot pre-written
unrehearsed · snap · instant · split-second · quick · reactive · responsive · adaptive
Occurring without processing delay
- liveTo exist or dwell
- streamingReal-time digital delivery
- in-flightDuring air travel
- runtimeProgram execution duration
just-in-time · instantaneous · continuous · ongoing · automatic · seamless · responsive · adaptive
Temporary, improvised substitute
- provisionalConditional and possibly temporary
- interimProvisional in-between phase
- stopgapTemporary substitute measure
- ad hocFor this purpose specifically
Band-Aid · workaround · patch · jury-rigged · cobbled-together · thrown-together
impromptu
Without advance preparation
- improvisedCreated without prior planning
- extemporeWithout prior preparation
- improvisationalWithout prior preparation
unscripted · unrehearsed · snap · instant · split-second · quick · reactive · responsive · adaptive
real-time
Occurring without processing delay
runtime · just-in-time · instantaneous · continuous · ongoing · automatic · seamless · responsive · adaptive · agile
makeshift
Temporary, improvised substitute
- provisionalConditional and possibly temporary
- interimProvisional in-between phase
- stopgapTemporary substitute measure
ad hoc · Band-Aid · workaround · patch · jury-rigged · cobbled-together · thrown-together
- Unscriptedimprovisation, improv, ad-lib, freestyle, spontaneous
- time pressurerush, rushed, clock is ticking, urgency, no time to lose
on-the-flypreplanned
Arranged prior to occurrence
premeditated · planned · predetermined · preconceived · scheduled
on-the-flyprecomputed
Calculated in advance
preprocessed · ahead-of-time · pre-rendered · cached · compiled