Task (computing): Difference between revisions

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{{Refimprove|date=November 2010}}

A '''task''' is an execution path through [[address space]].<ref>[[Data General]], ''[[RDOS]] Reference Manual''</ref> In other words, a set of [[Computer program|program]] [[instruction (computer science)|instruction]]s that are loaded in [[computer storage|memory]]. The [[address register]]s have been loaded with the initial address of the program. At the next [[clock cycle]], the [[Central processing unit|CPU]] will start execution, in accord with the program. The sense is that some part of 'a plan is being accomplished'. As long as the program remains in this part of the address space, the task can continue, in principle, indefinitely, unless the program instructions contain a <tt>[[halt]]</tt>, <tt>[[exit (operating system)|exit]]</tt>, or <tt>[[return (instruction)|return]]</tt>.

In [[computing]], a '''task''' is an [[Execution (computing) | execution]] path through [[address space]]<ref>[[Data General]], ''[[RDOS]] Reference Manual''

*In the computer field, "task" has the sense of a [[real-time computing|real-time]] application, as distinguished from '''[[process (computing)|process]]''', which takes up space (memory), and execution time. See [[operating system]].

A '''task''' is an execution path through [[address space]].</ref>[[Data General]],- ''[[RDOS]] Reference Manual''</ref> Inin other words, a set of [[Computer program|program]] [[instruction (computer science)|instruction]]s that are loaded in [[computer storage|memory]]. The [[address register]]s have been loaded with the initial address of the program. At the next [[clock cycle]], the [[Central processing unit|CPU]] will start execution, in accord with the program. The sense is that some part of '"a plan is being accomplished'". As long as the program remains in this part of the address space, the task can continue, in principle, indefinitely, unless the program instructions contain a <tt>[[halt]]</tt>, <tt>[[exit (operating system)|exit]]</tt>, or <tt>[[return (instruction)|return]]</tt>.

**Both "task" and "process" should be distinguished from [[Event-driven programming|event]], which takes place at a '''specific''' time and '''place''', and which can be planned for in a computer program.

***In a computer [[graphical user interface]] (GUI), an event can be as simple as a mouse click or keystroke.

* In the computer field, "task" hascan have the sense of a [[real-time computing|real-time]] application, as distinguished from '''[[process (computing)|process]]''', which takes up space (memory), and execution time. See [[operating system]].

** Both "task" and "process" should be distinguished from [[Event-driven programming|event]], which takes place at a '''specific''' time and '''place''', and which cana becomputer plannedprogram forcan inallow a computer programfor.

*** In a computer [[graphical user interface]] (GUI), an event can be as simple as a mouse click or a keystroke.

* Note that various environments have introduced the concept of a [[tasklet]].

==See also==

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* [[Process states]]

* [[Process (computing)|Process]]

* [[Computer multitasking]]