gapless

Gapless is an adjective used to describe something that has no gaps, interruptions, or breaks. The term is applied in several fields to denote a seamless progression or continuous experience, whether in time, space, or data.

In audio and music, gapless playback refers to playing a sequence of tracks without audible pauses or silent gaps between them. This is essential for live albums, DJ mixes, or concept albums designed to be heard continuously. Achieving gapless playback requires accurate track boundaries, efficient decoding, and careful handling of any pre-gap and post-gap metadata that can introduce silence.

In media streaming and user interfaces, gapless also describes transitions that occur without perceptible pauses. For streaming services, it can mean uninterrupted playback across episodes or tracks; in software, it can refer to UI transitions and animations that flow without stuttering.

In data and time-series contexts, gapless describes sequences with no missing values or intervals. When gaps exist, analysts may fill or interpolate them; the term emphasizes the ideal of complete continuity.

In broader usage, gapless can describe manufacturing, design, or workflows that operate without gaps or seams, emphasizing integration and seamless operation. See also gapless playback, seamless design, continuous data.