Description: A process function is a user-defined function used to process elements in a data stream. These functions are fundamental for manipulating and transforming real-time data, allowing developers to apply custom logic to the data flowing through the system. Process functions can be used to perform operations such as filtering, aggregation, and data transformation, and are essential for building complex data processing applications. In data processing frameworks, these functions can be implemented in various ways, including map, reduce, and window functions, providing flexibility and power in data handling. Additionally, process functions can interact with state, allowing developers to maintain information over time and perform more sophisticated calculations. This ability to define custom functions is one of the features that sets modern data processing systems apart, as it enables users to tailor processing to their specific needs and optimize the performance of their applications.
