Thread (computing): Difference between revisions

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Revision as of 21:04, 2 June 2003

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An advantage of a multi-threaded program is that it can operate faster on machines that have multiple CPUs, or across a [[computer cluster|cluster]] of machines. This is because the threaded nature of the algorithms allow true simultaneous and independent processing. In such a case, the programmer needs to be careful to avoid [[race condition]]s, and other non-intuitive behaviors. In order for data to be correctly manipulated, threads will often need to [[rendezvous]] in time in order to process the data in the correct order. Threads may also require [[atomic]] operations (often implemented using [[semaphore (programming)|semaphores]]) in order to prevent data from being simultaneously modified, or read while in the process of being modified. Careless use of such primitives can lead to [[deadlock]]s.

Use of threads in programming often causes ana state inconsistency. inA states.common The[[anti-pattern]] styleis thatto setsset a numberglobal variable, then invoke subprograms canthat bedepend problematic,on its value. This is whichknown calledas ''[[Accumulateaccumulate and fire]]''.

'''See also:''' [[Thread safety]]