Which term describes files transmitted over the internet and viewed as they arrive?

Streaming is the correct term used to describe the method of transmitting audio or video files over the internet in a way that allows the content to be viewed or listened to as it arrives, rather than waiting for the entire file to download. This process involves data being sent in a continuous flow, enabling users to start watching or listening almost immediately, while the rest of the data continues to download in the background.

The significance of streaming lies in its efficiency, particularly for media content. It reduces latency and allows for timely consumption of content, making it highly effective for services like Netflix, YouTube, or Spotify, where users expect instant playback.

In contrast, downloading refers to the process of transferring a complete file to a local device before accessing it, caching involves temporarily storing data for quicker access at a later time, and file sharing relates to the distribution of files between users, which does not specifically imply real-time access as seen in streaming. This highlights the unique nature of streaming as a dynamic and immediate way to consume content.