What's the meaning of "in advance"?

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
1

Hi all,

Could anyone please what “in advance” means in the sentence below:

First of all, we only talk about the “A”, since for the “B” (this is obvious in advance) all the arguments will proceed similarly.

Does it express the same meaning as in “thanks in advance”?

Any help will be appreciated.

2

in advance means before something happens

3

Beforehand, ahead of time. For example, He insisted on being paid half his fee in advance.

Pruthiraj Nayak