Task (computing): Difference between revisions

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{{Refimprove|date=November 2010}}

In [[computing]], a '''task''' is ana [[Executionunit (computing) |of execution]], pathin throughsome [[addressoperating spacesystems]]<ref> synonymous with a [[Dataprocess General(computing)|process]], ''in others with a [[Datathread General RDOS|RDOS(computing)]] 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 [[batch processing]] systems, a task was a unit of execution within a [[job (computing)]].

* In the computer field, "task" can 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 a computer program can allow for.

*** 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==

* [[Thread (computer science)|Thread]]

* [[Process states]]

* [[Process (computing)|Process]]

* [[Computer multitasking]]

==Notes==