What is the difference between CPU affinity and load balancing?

What is the difference between CPU affinity and load balancing?

CPU affinity refers to the assignment of a specific CPU to a process, ensuring it runs on that CPU to improve performance. Load balancing, on the other hand, distributes workloads across multiple CPUs or servers to optimize resource use and avoid overload.

When should I use CPU affinity?

You should use CPU affinity when you have processes that benefit from running on specific CPUs, such as real-time applications or when you want to reduce cache misses.

Can load balancing improve performance?

Yes, load balancing can significantly improve performance by distributing workloads evenly, preventing any single CPU or server from becoming a bottleneck.

Are there any downsides to using CPU affinity?

Yes, the downsides include potential underutilization of CPUs and increased complexity in managing process assignments.

How do I implement load balancing in my application?

You can implement load balancing by using software solutions like Nginx or HAProxy, or by utilizing cloud services that offer built-in load balancing features.