Concurrent computing

For the American computer company, see Concurrent Computer Corporation. For a more theoretical discussion, see Concurrency (computer science).

Concurrent computing is a form of computing in which several computations are executed concurrently—during overlapping time periods—instead of sequentially—with one completing before the next starts.

This is a property of a system—whether a program, computer, or a network—where there is a separate execution point or "thread of control" for each process. A concurrent system is one where a computation can advance without waiting for all other computations to complete.[1]

Concurrent computing is a form of modular programming. In its paradigm an overall computation is factored into subcomputations that may be executed concurrently. Pioneers in the field of concurrent computing include Edsger Dijkstra, Per Brinch Hansen, and C.A.R. Hoare.[2]

  1. ^ Operating System Concepts 9th edition, Abraham Silberschatz. "Chapter 4: Threads"
  2. ^ Hansen, Per Brinch, ed. (2002). The Origin of Concurrent Programming. doi:10.1007/978-1-4757-3472-0. ISBN 978-1-4419-2986-0. S2CID 44909506.