predownloading
Predownloading is the proactive transfer of data from a server to a client in anticipation of a likely future request. In predownloading, data is downloaded before the user explicitly requests it, based on predictions of the user's next action, historical behavior, or system state. Predownload occurs at various layers, including web browsers, streaming services, mobile applications, and operating systems. Techniques include client-driven prefetching, server-driven push (where supported), background syncing, and the use of resource hints such as prefetch and preload to fetch resources ahead of time.
In web contexts, predownloading often relies on resource hints and predictive algorithms that estimate which pages
Benefits include reduced latency, faster startup times, smoother playback, and better perceived responsiveness. Predownloading can improve
Policies and controls vary by platform; many systems allow users to disable or fine-tune predownloading, and
See also: prefetching, preloading, prebuffering, caching, content delivery networks.