What is the difference between parallel and distributed computing?

Can you explain the difference between parallel and distributed computing?

Sure! Parallel computing involves multiple processors executing tasks simultaneously within a single system, while distributed computing involves multiple systems working together over a network to solve a problem.

Can you give me an example of each?

Of course! An example of parallel computing is a multi-core processor running different threads of a program at the same time. An example of distributed computing is a cluster of computers working together to process large datasets.

What are the advantages of each approach?

Parallel computing can lead to faster processing times for complex calculations, while distributed computing offers scalability and resource sharing across multiple machines.

Are there any disadvantages to these methods?

Yes, parallel computing can be limited by the architecture of the system, and distributed computing can face challenges like network latency and data consistency.