- 2072 Asoj · 2 marks
Multiprocessing versus multitasking
Short answer
Multiprocessing uses multiple CPUs for true parallel execution, increasing throughput and reliability. Multitasking shares a single CPU among tasks via time-slicing, improving responsiveness with lower hardware cost.
Differentiate between multiprocessing and multi tasking in RTOS.
| Point | Multiprocessing | Multitasking |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | System with two or more CPUs (processors) executing in parallel | Several tasks share a single CPU by time slicing and switching |
| Processors | Multiple | One (or more) |
| Execution | True parallel execution | Apparent (concurrent) execution; one task at a time per CPU |
| Hardware cost | High | Low |
| Overhead | Needs CPU communication and sharing | Context-switch overhead |
| Purpose | Throughput, reliability | Better CPU use and responsiveness |
| Example | Dual-core processor | RTOS running 3 tasks on one microcontroller |
✓ Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort)
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