What is the difference between process and thread in operating systems?

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Answered by suresh

Understanding the Difference Between Process and Thread in Operating Systems

In operating systems, the fundamental units of execution are processes and threads. Both processes and threads play crucial roles in managing and executing tasks, but they have distinct differences that are important to understand.

Focus Keyword: Process and Thread in Operating Systems

Processes:

A process in an operating system can be defined as an instance of a program that is being executed. Each process has its own memory space, resources, and execution state. Processes are independent of each other and can run concurrently, allowing for multitasking. Context switching is required when switching between processes, which can incur overhead.

Threads:

Threads, on the other hand, can be considered as lightweight processes that exist within a process. Threads share the same memory space and resources as their parent process and can run concurrently. As such, threads are more efficient than processes as they require less overhead due to not needing separate memory spaces. However, threads within the same process can interfere with each other if not properly managed.

Key Differences:

The main difference between processes and threads lies in their relationship and resource sharing. Processes are independent entities with their own memory and resources, while threads share resources within the same process. Processes require more overhead due to context switching, whereas threads are more efficient in terms of resource utilization.

Understanding the distinctions between processes and threads in operating systems is crucial for effective resource management and task execution.

Answer for Question: What is the difference between process and thread in operating systems?