Command queue

<p>In <a href="/facts/Computer_science/lN3pEyPz">computer science</a>, a command queue is a <a href="/facts/Queue_(data_structure)/hVPjPXus">queue</a> that determines when a command is executed, usually by order of <a href="/facts/Priority_queue/1uXVo4Uf">priority</a> or on a <a href="/facts/FIFO_(computing_and_electronics)/RctvBNgE">first-in first-out</a> basis. Instead of waiting for each command to be executed before sending the next one, a program will put all its commands in the command queue, freeing it to perform other functions while the queue is processed by the <a href="/facts/Operating_system/8XTuvMh2">operating system</a>. 
</p><p>This delegation not only frees the program from handling the queue but can also help optimize execution. For instance, when handling multiple requests from several users, a network server's hard drive can reorder the requests in its queue using the <a href="/facts/Elevator_algorithm/taDJA0A5">elevator algorithm</a>, which minimizes mechanical movement.
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Command queue open-in-new

Command queue