average-case performance

Average-case performance refers to how well an algorithm or system is expected to work over typical or commonly encountered situations. Instead of focusing on the best or worst possible cases, it considers the general performance when inputs are drawn from a typical distribution. This gives a more realistic picture of its efficiency in everyday use, essentially estimating how long it takes to complete tasks most of the time. It's a valuable measure for understanding how an algorithm behaves under normal conditions, guiding expectations and decisions for practical applications.