What is the difference between ‘Continuity’ and ‘Non-continuity’ editing?

Continuity editing is the most common style of film editing. The purpose of continuity editing is to create the illusion of smooth continuous action and helps to keep the audiences’ attention to the story. The viewer will not notice the transition between shots.

Non-continuity editing is when shots are mismatched to disrupt the impression of time and space. This draws the audiences’ attention to the process of cutting and disturbs the illusion of ‘reality’. An example is the use of flash backs.