A tape separates the structure of a valuation from the numerical market data fed into it on each run.
Core mechanism
During recording, each active arithmetic operation becomes a node with references to its operands. Replay evaluates that fixed operation sequence efficiently; the reverse replay walks the same sequence backwards to accumulate derivatives.
Practical workflow
Keep trade logic expressed through active values at the market-data boundary. Record once for a stable product structure, replay across scenarios, and discard or checkpoint intermediates according to the backend's memory plan.
Scope and review point
A changed control-flow path, product shape or active-input set can require a new recording. The tape is a program representation, not a substitute for product-model governance.