Here’s a side-by-side comparison of processes and threads:
| Aspect | Process | Thread |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Independent program in execution | Smallest unit of execution within a process |
| Memory Space | Separate memory space | Shares memory space with other threads in the same process |
| Communication | Requires Inter-Process Communication (IPC) | Easier and faster within the same process |
| Creation Overhead | Higher (more resources and time needed) | Lower (lighter and faster to create) |
| Crash Impact | One process crash doesn’t affect others | One thread crash can affect the entire process |
| Resource Sharing | Does not share resources directly | Shares process resources (code, data, files) |