What is the difference between process and thread in a computer operating system?

Difference between Process and Thread in a Computer Operating System

In a computer operating system, both processes and threads are key components that help in executing tasks and managing resources. Here are the main differences between processes and threads:

Process:

1. Processes are independent units of execution in the operating system.
2. Each process has its own memory space, file descriptors, and resources.
3. Processes are heavyweight as they require their own memory allocation and system resources.
4. Processes communicate with each other using inter-process communication mechanisms.

Thread:

1. Threads are lightweight units of execution that exist within a process.
2. Threads share the same memory space and resources within a process.
3. Threads are faster to create and terminate compared to processes.
4. Threads in the same process can communicate through shared data structures directly.

Overall, processes are independent entities whereas threads are sub-units within a process that share resources. Understanding the differences between processes and threads is crucial for efficient resource management and multitasking in a computer operating system.