What is the difference between parallel processing and asynchronous operations?

What is the difference between parallel processing and asynchronous operations?

Parallel processing involves executing multiple tasks simultaneously, while asynchronous operations allow tasks to run independently without waiting for each other.

Can you give me an example of each?

Sure! In parallel processing, a program might use multiple CPU cores to process data at the same time. In asynchronous operations, a web application might send a request to a server and continue running other tasks while waiting for the response.

Which one is more efficient?

It depends on the context. Parallel processing can be more efficient for CPU-bound tasks, while asynchronous operations are better for I/O-bound tasks where waiting for responses is common.

Are there any downsides to using parallel processing?

Yes, parallel processing can introduce complexity in managing shared resources and may lead to issues like race conditions if not handled properly.