Introduction to Concurrent Programming

Abstract

Introduces concurrent programming, which involves executing multiple processes simultaneously, in contrast to the linear sequence of instructions in sequential programming. It explains key concepts such as: • Processes: Independent execution units that perform tasks concurrently. • Concurrency Benefits: Improves efficiency, especially for tasks with frequent input/ output operations, and allows parallelism even with limited processor cores. • Concurrency Model: Describes how concurrent programs handle synchronization, communication and execution order using techniques like mutual exclusion and synchronization primitives. • Process Creation: Covers methods like fork/join and POSIX threads, which enable dynamic process creation and concurrent task execution. The chapter highlights how concurrent programs better reflect real-world systems where multiple activities happen simultaneously, enhancing program efficiency and responsiveness.