Computer Science Paper 2 - 2.1.5: Thinking Concurrently

concurrent processing

One process does not have to finish before another starts

(processes happen at the same time/overlap)

concurrent processing vs parallel processing

parallel processing: multiple processors are used to complete more than one task simultaneously

concurrent processing: each task is given a slice of processor time to make it look like the tasks are being completed simultaneously when in reality they are executed sequentially.

Benefits of concurrent processing

The number of tasks completed in a given time is increased

less time is wasted waiting for an input or user interactions other tasks can be completed.

Drawbacks of concurrent processing

Concurrent processing can take longer to complete when large numbers of users or tasks are involved as processes cannot be completed at once.

There is an overhead in coordinating and switching between processes, which reduces program throughput.

Just as with parallel processing, not all tasks are suited to being broken up and performed concurrently.