When should I use parallelism instead of multithreading?

Can you explain when to use parallelism versus multithreading?

Sure! Parallelism is used when you want to perform multiple tasks simultaneously, while multithreading is about managing multiple threads within a single process.

What are some examples of tasks that benefit from parallelism?

Tasks like image processing, data analysis, and simulations often benefit from parallelism because they can be divided into independent subtasks.

And what about multithreading? When is it more appropriate?

Multithreading is ideal for tasks that require concurrent operations, like handling multiple user requests in a web server or performing background tasks without blocking the main thread.

Are there any downsides to using either approach?

Yes, parallelism can introduce overhead from managing multiple processes, while multithreading can lead to issues like race conditions if not handled properly.

How do I decide which one to use for my project?

Consider the nature of your tasks: if they can run independently and benefit from simultaneous execution, go for parallelism. If you need to manage shared resources efficiently, multithreading might be the better choice.