Throughput refers to the rate at which a system can process or transmit data, often measured in units such as bits per second (bps) for network systems, or transactions per second (tps) for database or computational systems. In various contexts, throughput is an essential metric for evaluating the efficiency and performance of systems ranging from computer networks and data pipelines to manufacturing processes. High throughput generally means that the system can handle a larger volume of work effectively, leading to increased productivity or better utilization of resources. However, maximizing throughput often requires a careful balance with other performance metrics, such as latency and reliability, to ensure overall system efficiency and quality of service.