What are the differences between threads and processes?

What are the differences between threads and processes?

Threads and processes are both units of execution in a program, but they have key differences. A process is an independent program that runs in its own memory space, while a thread is a smaller unit of a process that shares the same memory space with other threads in the same process.

Can you explain how they manage memory?

Sure! Processes have their own separate memory space, which means they don't share memory with other processes. Threads, on the other hand, share the same memory space within a process, allowing for faster communication but also requiring careful management to avoid conflicts.

Which one is more efficient?

Threads are generally more efficient than processes because they require less overhead to create and manage. Since threads share the same memory space, context switching between threads is faster compared to switching between processes.

Are there any drawbacks to using threads?

Yes, while threads are efficient, they can lead to issues like race conditions and deadlocks if not managed properly. Since they share memory, improper synchronization can cause data corruption.