What is context switching in multithreading?

What is context switching in multithreading?

Context switching in multithreading refers to the process of storing and restoring the state of a thread so that execution can be resumed later. It allows multiple threads to share a single CPU core effectively.

Why is context switching important?

Context switching is crucial because it enables multitasking, allowing a CPU to handle multiple threads efficiently, improving resource utilization and responsiveness.

What are the costs associated with context switching?

The costs include time spent saving and loading thread states, which can lead to performance overhead, especially if context switches happen frequently.

How can context switching be minimized?

Context switching can be minimized by optimizing thread management, reducing the number of threads, and using thread pools to manage resources more efficiently.

Can you give an example of context switching in action?

Sure! Imagine a web server handling multiple requests. When one request is waiting for data, the server can switch to another request, allowing it to serve multiple users simultaneously.