How can I use Pool in Python's multiprocessing module?

How can I use Pool in Python's multiprocessing module?

You can use the Pool class from the multiprocessing module to parallelize tasks. It allows you to create a pool of worker processes.

Can you show me a simple example of using Pool?

Sure! Here's a basic example:

from multiprocessing import Pool

def square(x):
    return x * x

if __name__ == '__main__':
    with Pool(4) as p:
        results = p.map(square, [1, 2, 3, 4, 5])
    print(results)

What does the map function do in this context?

The map function applies the square function to each item in the list [1, 2, 3, 4, 5] in parallel, returning a list of results.

Are there any limitations I should be aware of when using Pool?

Yes, be cautious with the number of processes you create, as too many can lead to overhead. Also, ensure that the tasks are CPU-bound for best performance.