Multiprocessing refers to using multiple CPUs/processors in a single system. Multiple CPUs can act in a parallel fashion and executes multiple processes together. They increase computing power to a great extent. Symmetric multiprocessing and asymmetric multiprocessing are two types of multiprocessing.
Multithreading refers to multiple threads being executed by a single CPU in such a way that each thread is executed in parallel fashion and CPU/processor is switched between them using context switch. Multithreading is a technique to increase the throughput of a processor.
The following are some of the important differences between Multiprocessing and Multithreading.
Sr. No. | Key | Multiprocessing | Multithreading |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Concept | Multiple processors/CPUs are added to the system to increase the computing power of the system. | Multiple threads are created of a process to be executed in a parallel fashion to increase the throughput of the system. |
2 | Parallel Action | Multiple processes are executed in a parallel fashion. | Multiple threads are executed in a parallel fashion. |
3 | Categories | Multiprocessing can be classified into symmetric and asymmetric multiprocessing. | No such classification present for multithreading. |
4 | Time | Process creation is time-consuming. | Thread creation is easy and is time savvy. |