request-reply processing

noun
UK /rɪˈkwest rɪˈplaɪ ˈprəʊsesɪŋ/
US /rɪˈkwɛst rɪˈplaɪ ˈprɑsɛsɪŋ/

A way computers talk where one asks a question and the other answers it.

The app uses request-reply processing to fetch your messages from the server.

SYNONYMS

request-response patternask-and-answer messagingquery-response processingcall-and-return communication

RELATED WORDS

client-server modelmessaging patternAPI callsynchronous communicationprotocol

OTHER MEANINGS

2. A messaging style where a sender waits for a matching answer before continuing.

In request-reply processing, the client pauses until the server sends back a result.

3. A software design where each question gets exactly one response.

The payment system relies on request-reply processing so every charge gets a clear confirmation.

4. A communication method used in distributed systems to pair each request with its reply.

Engineers chose request-reply processing to keep the services in sync.