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Process vs Thread
A fundamental operating system question. Learn how processes and threads differ in memory and execution.
| Feature | Process | Thread |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A program in execution. | A segment of a process. |
| Memory | Isolated memory space. | Shared memory space. |
| Communication | Expensive (IPC needed). | Cheap (Direct memory access). |
| Overhead | High context switching overhead. | Low context switching overhead. |
| Dependency | Independent. | Dependent on other threads in the same process. |
Key Takeaway
When choosing between Process and Thread, consider your specific requirements regarding definition and memory.