When should I use threading instead of multiprocessing?

When should I use threading instead of multiprocessing?

You should use threading when your tasks are I/O-bound, like network requests or file operations, as threads can handle multiple I/O operations concurrently.

What about CPU-bound tasks? Is multiprocessing better for those?

Yes, for CPU-bound tasks, multiprocessing is generally better because it can utilize multiple CPU cores, allowing for true parallel execution.

Can you give me an example of an I/O-bound task?

Sure! An example of an I/O-bound task is downloading files from the internet. Using threads can help manage multiple downloads simultaneously.

Are there any downsides to using threading?

Yes, threading can lead to issues like race conditions and deadlocks if not managed properly, so it's important to use synchronization mechanisms.