Parallel and Concurrent Processing Notes
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yatneshParallel and Concurrent Processing Notes
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yatneshPARALLEL ALGORITHM (Easy Explanation)
A parallel algorithm is a special kind of algorithm that can run multiple instructions at the same time
using different processors (CPUs). After all parts finish, the results are combined to give the final
answer.
This is useful when we deal with huge amounts of data that need to be processed quickly.
What is an Algorithm?
An algorithm is a step-by-step method:
- It takes some input
- Performs computations
- Gives the output
What is a Parallel Algorithm?
Unlike regular algorithms that run one step after another, a parallel algorithm:
- Breaks the task into smaller parts
- Runs them together on multiple processors
- Merges all outputs into one final result
This saves time and increases efficiency.
What is Concurrent Processing?
Concurrent processing means doing multiple tasks at the same time - not one after the other.
Instead of finishing one task fully before starting the next, we work on parts of multiple tasks
together.
"Handling many things at once, like multitasking."
Real-Life Example:
Cooking: Boiling water, Toasting bread, Frying eggs - all done side by side to save time.
Computer Example:
When your computer:
- Plays music
- Downloads a file
- Runs a Zoom call
- Updates software
All these happen together using concurrent processing.
Why Concurrent Processing?
We now deal with:
- Big data
- Fast systems
- Real-time tasks
So we split jobs into smaller parts, run them together, and combine results fast.
Where It's Used:
1. Weather Forecasting
2. Biomedical Analysis
3. Astronomy
4. Robotics
5. Aircraft Testing
6. Web Services
Difference: Parallel vs Concurrent
| Feature | Parallel Processing | Concurrent Processing |
|-------------------|-----------------------------------|-------------------------------------|
| What happens? | Tasks run exactly at the same time| Tasks are in progress at same time |
| Need multiple CPUs?| Yes | Not always |
| Example | 4 processors adding 4 numbers | Music + Chat + Download running |
Summary:
