Python 3 - Second Edition

31    Parallel Programming

This chapter will introduce parallel programming with Python, which allows multiple tasks to be executed simultaneously. Before we can start with the technical details and sample programs, we’ll explain some terms and look at selected aspects of how modern operating systems work.

31.1    Processes, Multitasking, and Threads

As users of modern computers, we are used to the fact that several programs[ 137 ] can be run simultaneously. For example, you can write an email while in the background your latest vacation video is being converted to another format and a streaming service is playing your favorite song. Figure 31.1 shows a typical work session, with each box representing a running program. The length of the boxes ...