What are the performance differences between multiprocessing and threading?

What are the performance differences between multiprocessing and threading?

Multiprocessing uses multiple processes, while threading uses multiple threads within a single process. Multiprocessing can take advantage of multiple CPU cores, leading to better performance for CPU-bound tasks. In contrast, threading is more efficient for I/O-bound tasks due to lower overhead.

Can you give me an example of when to use each?

Sure! Use multiprocessing for tasks like image processing or data analysis that require heavy computation. Use threading for tasks like web scraping or handling multiple network requests where waiting for I/O is common.

What are the downsides of each approach?

Multiprocessing can consume more memory and has higher overhead due to process creation. Threading can lead to issues like race conditions and requires careful management of shared resources.

How do I choose the right one for my application?

Consider the nature of your tasks. If they are CPU-bound, go for multiprocessing. If they are I/O-bound, threading might be the better choice. Also, evaluate the complexity of managing threads versus processes.