Concurrency is a key concept in programming that allows for multiple operations to be executed simultaneously. This tutorial will explore various examples of concurrency in different programming languages and environments.

Introduction to Concurrency

Concurrency can be achieved in several ways, including threads, processes, and asynchronous programming. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of approach depends on the specific requirements of the application.

Types of Concurrency

  • Threads: Threads are lightweight processes that share the same memory space. They are often used for tasks that require frequent communication between different parts of the program.
  • Processes: Processes are independent entities with their own memory space. They are more suitable for tasks that require high isolation or when working with limited resources.
  • Asynchronous Programming: Asynchronous programming allows for non-blocking operations, making it possible to perform multiple tasks concurrently without the need for threads or processes.

Examples

Thread Example

Here's a simple example of a thread in Python:

import threading

def print_numbers():
    for i in range(1, 11):
        print(i)

thread = threading.Thread(target=print_numbers)
thread.start()

Process Example

Below is an example of using processes in Python:

import multiprocessing

def print_numbers():
    for i in range(1, 11):
        print(i)

process = multiprocessing.Process(target=print_numbers)
process.start()
process.join()

Asynchronous Example

An example of asynchronous programming in JavaScript using async/await:

async function printNumbers() {
    for (let i = 1; i <= 10; i++) {
        console.log(i);
        await new Promise(resolve => setTimeout(resolve, 1000));
    }
}

printNumbers();

Further Reading

For more in-depth information on concurrency, you can refer to the following resources:

Concurrency Diagram