Glossary / Concurrency
Concurrency
Concurrency refers to the ability of a system to execute multiple tasks or processes simultaneously. In concurrent programming, multiple tasks are executed concurrently, meaning they can start, run, and complete in overlapping time intervals. This can be achieved through various techniques such as multi-threading, multi-processing, or asynchronous programming. Concurrency is important in modern computing systems as it allows for efficient utilization of resources and improved performance. By executing multiple tasks concurrently, a system can make better use of available processing power and reduce idle time. This is particularly useful in situations where tasks are I/O bound, such as waiting for data from a network or disk. Concurrency also enables the development of responsive and interactive applications. For example, in a web server, multiple requests can be processed concurrently, allowing for faster response times and better user experience. Similarly, in a video game, concurrent processing can be used to handle various game mechanics simultaneously, such as rendering graphics, handling user input, and updating game logic. However, concurrency also introduces challenges and complexities. Concurrent tasks may need to access shared resources, such as memory or files, which can lead to issues like race conditions or deadlocks. Proper synchronization mechanisms, such as locks or semaphores, need to be implemented to ensure correct and safe access to shared resources. Overall, concurrency is a fundamental concept in modern computing and plays a crucial role in enabling efficient and responsive systems. It allows for the execution of multiple tasks simultaneously, improving performance and resource utilization.
