Menu
Home
People
Places
Arts
History
Plants & Animals
Science
Life & Culture
Technology
Reference.org
Payload (computing)
open-in-new
<p>In <a href="/facts/Computing/Kghtm9fX">computing</a> and <a href="/facts/Telecommunications/vxoj1cxR">telecommunications</a>, the payload is the part of <a href="/facts/Data_transmission/1yAhaANd">transmitted data</a> that is the actual intended message. <a href="/facts/Header_(computing)/DSbn3tM1">Headers</a> and <a href="/facts/Metadata/qt35z79C">metadata</a> are sent only to enable payload delivery and are considered <a href="/facts/Overhead_(computing)/e2jgPrHr">overhead</a>. </p><p>In the context of a <a href="/facts/Computer_virus/IyTC1usq">computer virus</a> or <a href="/facts/Computer_worm/9qKR1Hx5">worm</a>, the payload is the portion of the <a href="/facts/Malware/5ee7TLFR">malware</a> which performs malicious action. </p><p>The term is borrowed from <a href="/facts/Transportation/npstdhvc">transportation</a>, where <i><a href="/facts/Payload/wb7m7LLV">payload</a></i> refers to the part of the load that <i>pays</i> for transportation. </p>