Computer data processing:

Is any process that a computer program does to enter data and summarise, analyse or otherwise convert datainto usable information. The process may be automated and run on a computer. It involves recording, analysing, sorting, summarising, calculating, disseminating and storing data. Because data are most useful when well-presented and actually informative, data-processing systems are often referred to as information systems. Nevertheless, the terms are roughly synonymous, performing similar conversions; data-processing systems typically manipulate raw data into information, and likewise information systems typically take raw data as input to produce information as output.

But processing can be done in three differnt types, types that change to accomplish each porpouse:

Batch Processing:

Batch processing is execution of a series of programs ("jobs") on a computer without manual intervention. Jobs are set up so they can be run to completion without manual intervention, so all input data is preselected through scripts or command-line parameters. This is in contrast to "online" or interactive programs which prompt the user for such input. A program takes a set of data files as input, processes the data, and produces a set of output data files. This operating environment is termed as "batch processing" because the input data are collected into batches of files and are processed in batches by the program.

Online Processing:

Online transaction processing, or OLTP, refers to a class of systems that facilitate and manage transaction-oriented applications, typically for data entry and retrieval transaction processing. The term is somewhat ambiguous; some understand a "transaction" in the context of computer or database transactions, while others (such as the Transaction Processing Performance Council) define it in terms of business or commercial transactions. OLTP has also been used to refer to processing in which the system responds immediately to user requests. An automatic teller machine (ATM) for a bank is an example of a commercial transaction processing application.

Real-Time Processing:

Real-time processing is an e-business term used to describe the situation whereby a user sends in transactions and awaits a response from a distant computer before continuing. Response time on the data communications facility is crucial when a customer is utilizing a voice call to obtain information requiring a quick response, i.e. booking an airline flight or obtaining stock details. In a real time processing, there is a continual input, process and output of data. Data has to be processed in a small stipulated time period (real time), otherwise it will create problems for the system. 

For example: assembly line robots and radar system.