Difference between Batch Processing System and Online Processing System

Prerequisite – Types of Operating System

1. Batch Processing System : An Batch processing system handles large amounts of data which processed on a routine schedule. Processing occurs after the economic event occurs and is recorded. It requires fewer programming, hardware, and training resources. In this system programs are scheduled through jobs. It allows sharing of programs and files. 

Examples includes Inventory query, website shopping transaction, e-Banking account withdrawal etc. 

Advantages of Batch Processing System :

• Manages large repeated work easily.
• Repeated jobs are done fast
• Batch systems can work offline

Disadvantages of Batch Processing System :

• Difficult to debug batch systems
• Sometimes costly
• Waits for unknown time if error occurs with any job

2. Online System : An online processing system handles transactions in real time and provides the output instantly. When any economic event takes place then the processing occurs. It requires more number of dedicated hardware resources, processing elements are required. In this system programs are initiated through transactions. It does not allow sharing of programs and files.

Examples includes are month end tax calculation, data transformation, data analysis, data transformation etc.

Advantages of Online System :

• Useful for online money transactions
• Useful in online shopping
• Support and stability

Disadvantages of Online System :

• Millions of requests sometimes becomes difficult to handle
• lots of staff required to maintain inventory
• Hardware problems create big trouble

Difference between Batch Processing System and Online System :

S.No.	BATCH PROCESSING SYSTEM	ONLINE PROCESSING SYSTEM
01.	An Batch processing system handles large amounts of data which processed on a routine schedule.	An online processing system handles transactions in real time and provides the output instantly.
02.	Processing occurs when the after the economic event occurs and recorded.	When the economic event takes place then the processing occurs.
03.	In batch processing system fewer programming, hardware and training resources are required.	In Online processing system more number of dedicated hardware resources, processing elements are required.
04.	To avoid operational delays certain records are processed after the event.	Immediately all the records pertaining to event are processed.
05.	In batch processing system input data is prepared before the execution.	In online processing system data is prepared at time of execution as needed.
06.	In batch processing system the processing sequence is predictable.	In online processing system the processing sequence is unpredictable.
07.	In this the programs and files can not be shared.	In this the program and files can be shared.
08.	In batch processing system programs are scheduled through jobs.	In online processing system programs are initiated through transactions.
09.	In batch processing system recovery and restart is easy.	In online processing system recovery and restart requires additional process.
10.	Batch processing system uses tape storage.	Online processing system uses disk storage.
11.	Examples are Inventory query, website shopping transaction, e-Banking account withdrawal etc.	Examples are month end tax calculation, data transformation, data analysis, data transformation etc.