Comparison of Python Threading library with the process library -Select the right concurrency processing method
There are two main concurrent processing libraries in Python: `Threading` and` Multiprocessing`.Although they are all used to achieve concurrent treatment, there are some important differences between them.Before choosing a concurrent method that suits you, it is necessary to compare these two libraries.
1. thread library (`Threading`):
The thread is a lightweight execution unit that can perform multiple tasks in a single process.This library provides a lot of functions, making it easier for thread programming.Here are some characteristics and usage scenarios of the `Threading` Library:
a. Thread sharing memory: Multiple threads can access and modify the same data and resources.This makes them very suitable for handling sharing status and tasks that need interaction.
b. Lightweight: The creation and destruction of threads are faster than the process, so they are more suitable for the large number of tasks.
c. Status sharing and synchronization: Due to the same memory space of thread sharing, under improper synchronization measures, the competition conditions and data may be inconsistent.In order to prevent this, the mechanisms such as locks, semaphores and condition variables can be used to synchronize threads.
d. IO -intensive task: threads are suitable for tasks that require a large amount of IO operation and do not involve CPU -intensive computing.
The following is an example code using the `Threading` Library to demonstrate how to use multiple threads to calculate a large amount of data:
python
import threading
def square(num):
result = num * num
print(f"The square of {num} is {result}")
numbers = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
threads = []
for num in numbers:
t = threading.Thread(target=square, args=(num,))
threads.append(t)
t.start()
for t in threads:
t.join()
In this example, we use multiple threads to calculate the square of each number.Each thread executes the `Square` function and print the result.
2. Process library (`Multiprocessing`):
The process is an independent executive unit, and each process has its own memory space.Communication between different processes requires the inter -process communication (IPC) mechanism.The following is the characteristics and usage scenarios of the `Multiprocessing` library:
a. parallel processing: The process can perform parallel tasks on multiple CPU cores, so it is suitable for the CPU -intensive task.
b. Memory independence: Each process has its own independent memory space, which means that different processes will not interfere with each other.This is very useful when dealing with the task that requires an independent environment.
c. IPC communication: communication between processes requires a specific IPC mechanism, such as queues, pipelines, and shared memory.
d. Reliability: The collapse of the process will not cause the collapse of the entire program because other processes are still running.
The following is an example code that uses the `Multiprocessing` Library to demonstrate how to use multiple processes to calculate a large amount of data:
python
from multiprocessing import Process
def square(num):
result = num * num
print(f"The square of {num} is {result}")
numbers = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
processes = []
for num in numbers:
p = Process(target=square, args=(num,))
processes.append(p)
p.start()
for p in processes:
p.join()
In this example, we use multiple processes to calculate the square of each number in parallel.Each process executes the `Square` function and print the result.
In summary, when selecting the appropriate concurrency processing method, you need to consider task type, resource requirements, synchronous requirements and communication needs.If the task is IO dense type and needs to be shared and data, then using the thread library (`Threading`) may be a good choice.If the task is a CPU dense type and requires an independent environment and inter -processes communication, then the process library (`Multiprocessing`) may be more suitable.