Difference between Traditional and Reactive Computer System

1. Traditional Computer System:

Traditional Computer System takes the input from the user and computes the output as the function of the input. It basically computes functions of the input. A traditional computer system is one in which the computer is in control of the sequence of operations. This type of system is typically used for batch processing, in which the computer reads a set of instructions from a storage device, performs the operations specified in those instructions, and then writes the results to another storage device.

Output data = f(input data) 

Example: If x is input and f is some function, y(output) = f(x)

Advantages :

• Reliability: Traditional computer systems are known for their reliability and stability. They are designed to perform specific tasks and are less prone to errors or crashes.
• Compatibility: Traditional computer systems are often compatible with a wide range of software applications, which makes it easier for users to find and use the tools they need.
• Security: Traditional computer systems often have built-in security measures, such as firewalls or antivirus software, to protect against malicious attacks or data breaches.
• Cost-effective: Traditional computer systems can be less expensive than newer, more advanced systems, making them a cost-effective option for businesses or individuals who do not require the latest technology.

Disadvantages :

• Limited processing power: Traditional computer systems can be slower and less powerful than newer systems, which can limit their usefulness for more advanced applications.
• Limited storage capacity: Traditional computer systems may have limited storage capacity, which can make it difficult to store large amounts of data or media files.
• Limited flexibility: Traditional computer systems are often less flexible than newer systems, which can limit their ability to adapt to changing needs or new technologies.
• Limited mobility: Traditional computer systems are typically less portable than newer systems, which can make it difficult to work remotely or on-the-go.
• Limited connectivity: Traditional computer systems may not be as connected or integrated with other systems or devices, which can limit their ability to share data or communicate with other systems.

2. Reactive Computer System:

Reactive Computer System takes the input from the user but does not produce the output as a function of input but it interacts with the environment. In this interaction, the results computed are used to perform some action on environment. A reactive computer system is one in which the sequence of operations is controlled by an external entity. This type of system is typically used for real-time applications, in which the computer must respond to events as they occur. 

Example: Real-time Systems 

Advantages :

• Real-time responsiveness: Reactive computer systems are designed to respond to events in real-time, which can be critical in applications such as gaming, robotics, or real-time data processing.
• Scalability: Reactive computer systems are designed to scale horizontally, which means they can add new nodes or servers to the system as needed to handle increasing demand or workloads.
• Fault-tolerance: Reactive computer systems are designed to be fault-tolerant, which means they can continue to operate even if one or more nodes or servers fail.
• Performance: Reactive computer systems are designed to optimize performance by using parallelism and distributed processing to handle complex workloads more efficiently.

Disadvantages :

• Complexity: Reactive computer systems can be complex to design and implement, due to their distributed architecture and the need to manage communication between nodes or servers.
• Cost: Reactive computer systems can be expensive to implement, due to the need for specialized hardware or software.
• Maintenance: Reactive computer systems can be difficult to maintain, due to their distributed architecture and the need to manage communication between nodes or servers.
• Limited use cases: Reactive computer systems are best suited for real-time applications or applications with high concurrency, and may not be suitable for all types of workloads or applications.

Difference between Traditional and Reactive Systems: 

TRADITIONAL SYSTEM	REACTIVE SYSTEM
Traditional system produces output as a function of input.	Reactive system does not produce output as a function of input.
It does not interact with the environment.	It interacts with environment.
Computation in traditional system is terminating.	Computation is reactive system is non-terminating.
Results are not used to perform action on the environment.	Results are used to perform action on the environment.
It takes input as data.	It takes input as event.
Its structure is simple.	Its structure is complicated.
The example of traditional system is simple calculator software.	An example of reactive system is real-time systems.
This system follows a linear, sequential path in which each instruction is executed one after the other.	This system, on the other hand, can have multiple instructions executing simultaneously.
Less efficient use of resources and can speed up overall execution time.	More efficient use of resources and can speed up overall execution time.
CPU processes one instruction at a time.	CPU can process multiple instructions at a time.
They are typically designed to operate in a specific, predefined manner.	They are designed to be more flexible and adaptable to changes in their environment.
They typically designed to operate at a specific speed.	They are designed to operate at a variety of speeds.
They are typically designed to be used for a specific purpose.	They are designed to be used for a variety of purposes.
They are typically designed to be used for a specific period of time.	They are designed to be used for an indefinite period of time.
They are typically designed to be operated by a specific group of people.	They are designed to be operated by a variety of people.
They are typically designed to process a specific type of data.	They are designed to process a variety of data.