What are the differences between concurrent and sequential processing?

What are the differences between concurrent and sequential processing?

Concurrent processing allows multiple tasks to be executed at the same time, while sequential processing executes tasks one after another.

Can you give me an example of each?

Sure! An example of concurrent processing is a web server handling multiple requests simultaneously. Sequential processing would be a program that processes a list of items one at a time.

Which one is generally faster?

Concurrent processing can be faster for I/O-bound tasks, as it utilizes waiting time effectively. However, for CPU-bound tasks, sequential processing might be more efficient due to lower overhead.

Are there any downsides to concurrent processing?

Yes, concurrent processing can introduce complexity, such as race conditions and increased resource consumption, which can lead to bugs if not managed properly.