Edge computing differs from traditional cloud computing primarily in data processing location. Instead of relying on centralized data centers, edge computing processes data closer to the sources, such as IoT devices. This leads to reduced latency, faster data processing, and improved real-time analytics. Edge computing allows devices to operate independently, enhancing performance for applications needing immediate responses. It’s particularly beneficial in environments requiring timely decisions, such as autonomous vehicles or smart cities, contrasting with the cloud, which involves sending data to far-off servers for processing.