Programming in Python 3: A Complete Introduction to the Python Language, Second Edition

10. Processes and Threading

• Using the Multiprocessing Module

• Using the Threading Module

With the advent of multicore processors as the norm rather than the exception, it is more tempting and more practical than ever before to want to spread the processing load so as to get the most out of all the available cores. There are two main approaches to spreading the workload. One is to use multiple processes and the other is to use multiple threads. This chapter shows how to use both approaches.

Using multiple processes, that is, running separate programs, has the advantage that each process runs independently. This leaves all the burden of handling concurrency to the underlying operating system. The disadvantage is that communication and data ...