👉 The expensive I/O (Input/Output) refers to the high cost associated with accessing data storage devices, such as hard drives or SSDs, over slower and more expensive traditional storage methods like RAM. This term is particularly relevant in the context of modern computing environments where data access speeds are significantly faster, but the cost per unit of storage or data transfer remains high. Expensive I/O often involves using specialized hardware or protocols to optimize data transfer rates, reduce latency, or increase bandwidth, which can be crucial for applications requiring real-time data processing, such as financial trading platforms, high-performance computing, and large-scale data analytics. The expense is driven by factors like the physical limitations of storage media, the need for advanced error correction, and the complexity of managing high-speed data flows.
