On the fly
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[edit] Colloquial usage
In colloquial use, on the fly means something created when needed. The phrase is used: (a) to explain that something wasn't planned ahead, or (b) changes that are made while a system is in operation.
[edit] Automotive usage
In reference to four-wheel drive vehicles, this term refers to the ability to change from two to four-wheel drive while the car is in gear and moving.
[edit] Athletic usage
In ice hockey, the majority of line changes occur "on the fly", that is, while play is still ongoing. Players leap over the boards as quickly as possible as their line is substituted in to avoid any prolonged shifts and to ensure that fresh players remain on the ice as often as possible.
[edit] Computer usage
A computer can create some result on the fly, or retrieve a stored result.
Used when making a copy of a removable media (CD-ROM, DVD, etc) directly, without first saving the source on an intermediate medium (a harddisk); for example, copying a CD-ROM from a CD-ROM drive to a CD-Writer drive.
When used in reference to encrypting data on the fly (for example, where data is encrypted as it is written to disk and decrypted automatically when read back again), the acronym OTFE is typically used.
