Multitasking within a single program. It allows multiple streams of execution to take place concurrently within the same program, each stream processing a different transaction or message. In order for a multithreaded program to achieve true performance gains, it must be run in a multitasking or multiprocessing environment, which allows multiple operations to take place.
It Depends on the Application
Certain types of applications lend themselves to multithreading. For example, in an order processing system, each order can be entered independently of the other orders. In an image editing program, a calculation-intensive filter can be performed on one image, while the user works on another. Multithreading is also used to create synchronized audio and video applications.
Symmetric Multiprocessing
A symmetric multiprocessing (SMP) operating system uses multithreading to allow multiple CPUs to be controlled at the same time. See SMP.
Reentrant Code
Multithreading generally uses reentrant code, which cannot be modified when executing, so that the same code can be shared by multiple programs. See multiprocessing and hyperthreading.
It Depends on the Application
Certain types of applications lend themselves to multithreading. For example, in an order processing system, each order can be entered independently of the other orders. In an image editing program, a calculation-intensive filter can be performed on one image, while the user works on another. Multithreading is also used to create synchronized audio and video applications.
Symmetric Multiprocessing
A symmetric multiprocessing (SMP) operating system uses multithreading to allow multiple CPUs to be controlled at the same time. See SMP.
Reentrant Code
Multithreading generally uses reentrant code, which cannot be modified when executing, so that the same code can be shared by multiple programs. See multiprocessing and hyperthreading.
 | Reproduced with permission from Computer Desktop Encyclopedia. Copyright (c) 1981-2008 The Computer Language Company Inc. All rights reserved. |
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