2.1.5 Thinking Concurrently

What is concurrent processing

Multiple processes being executed at the same time. Each process is given a slice of processor time to give the illusion that they are happening at the same time. Different processes can be executed by different processors.

What is concurrent thinkong

the mindset that allows you to spot patterns and parts of problems where concurrency can be applied

How to determine which parts. of problems can be solved at the same time

Assess which parts of a problem are related as they can often be solved simultanesouly so can be dealt with concurrently

Difference between concurrent procesing and concurrent thinking

Concurrent processing uses a computer processor whil concurrent thinking uses your braing

Parallel processing vs concurrent processing

Parallel processing is when multiple processors are used to complete more than one task simultaneously. Concurrent processing is when each task is given a slove of procesor time to make it look like tasks are being completed simultaneously when in reality they are executed sequentially

Benefits of concurrent processing

• More efficient processor use/ less idle processor time

• Long running tasks do not delay short running tasks

• User can interact with the computer while other tasks are running, so less time is wasted waiting

• tasks requiring preconditions can wait and then resume execution

Drawbacks of 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

• Not all tasks are suited to being broken up and performed concurrently

Explain why concurrent processing is needed to allow multiple users to log in and interact with game elements at the same time

• multiple requests to the server at the same time

  • Server needs to respond in a reasonable time

  • Having multiple processors handling different requests would increase response time

• Users could override each other’s changes

  • Programming will need to restrict access to database

  • Use record locking to stop edits if someone else has access to the data

• Different users will have different response times

  • Processor can still handle other requests

  • So the perofrmance of other users is not affected