How do message passing and shared memory compare in parallel computing?

How do message passing and shared memory compare in parallel computing?

Message passing involves communication between processes through messages, while shared memory allows processes to access a common memory space.

What are the advantages of using message passing?

Message passing is more scalable and can work across distributed systems, making it suitable for networked environments.

And what about shared memory? What are its benefits?

Shared memory offers faster communication since processes can directly access the same memory, reducing latency.

Are there any downsides to using shared memory?

Yes, shared memory can lead to complexity with synchronization and potential issues like race conditions.

Which method is generally preferred in modern applications?

It depends on the application; message passing is often preferred for distributed systems, while shared memory is used in high-performance computing.