Difference between Thread and Process in Multithreading

In the context of multithreading, it is important to understand the distinction between a thread and a process:

Thread:

A thread is the smallest unit of execution within a process. Threads share the same memory space and resources of the process they belong to. Multiple threads can exist within a single process, allowing for concurrent execution of tasks.

Process:

A process is a standalone unit of execution that consists of its own memory space, resources, and state. Processes are independent of each other and do not share memory by default. Each process has its own address space and can run multiple threads.

Key Differences:

• Threads share memory space, while processes do not.
• Processes are independent entities, while threads are subunits of a process.
• Threads allow for lightweight concurrent execution, while processes incur more overhead.

Understanding the differences between threads and processes is crucial in designing efficient multithreaded applications.