What are thread pools and how do they affect performance?

What are thread pools and how do they affect performance?

Thread pools are a collection of pre-initialized threads that can be reused for executing tasks. They improve performance by reducing the overhead of thread creation and destruction.

Why is it better to use a thread pool instead of creating new threads for each task?

Using a thread pool minimizes the overhead associated with thread management. It allows for better resource utilization and can lead to improved application responsiveness.

How do I determine the optimal size for a thread pool?

The optimal size depends on the nature of the tasks and the system's resources. A common approach is to set the pool size to the number of available CPU cores, but it may require tuning based on workload.

Can thread pools lead to performance bottlenecks?

Yes, if the thread pool is too small, tasks may queue up, leading to delays. Conversely, if it's too large, it can cause context switching overhead.