precalculation
Math done beforehand
Precalculation is computing something in advance, before the results are needed.
In programming and engineering, precalculated values save processing time by doing the math once rather than repeatedly: The game engine uses precalculated lighting to improve performance.
The word also applies outside technical contexts: Her precalculation of costs prevented budget surprises.
Estimating future conditions
- estimationApproximate value judgment
- projectionSomething that extends outward
- budgetingAllocating funds systematically
- schedulingAssigning times to events
preprocessing · anticipation · preparation · foresight · prediction · contingency · scenario · modeling
Finite problem-solving procedure
- formulaFixed method or notation
- equationMathematical equality assertion
- variableProne to fluctuation
- iterationRepeated procedural pass
optimization · simulation · modeling · runtime · complexity · efficiency · precision · accuracy
Increase in pace
- efficiencyProductive without waste
- latencyDelay in system response
- cachingTemporary local storage
- precomputationCalculating before needed
tradeoff · memory · storage · indexing · performance · acceleration · shortcut · reduction
Mathematics of basic operations
- algebraMath using symbols
- trigonometryTriangle angle mathematics
- derivativeFunction's rate of change
- integralAntiderivative or crucial component
function · theorem · proof · matrix · vector · factorial · logarithm · coefficient
forecasting
Estimating future conditions
- estimationApproximate value judgment
- projectionSomething that extends outward
- budgetingAllocating funds systematically
scheduling · preprocessing · anticipation · preparation · foresight · prediction · contingency · scenario · modeling · assumption
algorithm
Finite problem-solving procedure
iteration · optimization · simulation · modeling · runtime · complexity · efficiency · precision · accuracy · cache
speedup
Increase in pace
- efficiencyProductive without waste
- latencyDelay in system response
- cachingTemporary local storage
precomputation · tradeoff · memory · storage · indexing · performance · acceleration · shortcut · reduction · simplification
arithmetic
Mathematics of basic operations
- algebraMath using symbols
- trigonometryTriangle angle mathematics
- derivativeFunction's rate of change
integral · function · theorem · proof · matrix · vector · factorial · logarithm · coefficient · exponent
precalculationimprovisation
Spontaneous, unplanned creation
winging it · guesswork · estimation · snap judgment · approximation