What are threads in computing?

What are threads in computing?

Threads are the smallest unit of processing that can be scheduled by an operating system. They allow multiple tasks to run concurrently within a single process.

How do threads differ from processes?

Threads share the same memory space and resources of their parent process, while processes have separate memory spaces. This makes threads lighter and faster for certain tasks.

Can you give me an example of how threads are used?

Sure! In a web browser, multiple threads can handle different tasks like rendering a webpage, downloading files, and running scripts simultaneously.

What are the advantages of using threads?

Using threads can improve application performance, responsiveness, and resource utilization, especially in multi-core processors.

Are there any downsides to using threads?

Yes, managing threads can lead to complexity, such as race conditions and deadlocks, which can make debugging more challenging.