A comparison of processes and threads creation

Abstract

This article discusses the differences between processes and threads in the Linux operating system. Both are represented by the same data structures and similarly scheduled, and both are called tasks. It tries to answer whether the names Heavy-weight Process and Light Weight Process (LWP) are appropriate in Linux. It focuses on the time required to create a process or thread. First, the mechanism of creating a new process and thread is explained, and then several measurements are performed under different conditions. A fragments of source code which is used in the measurement are attached. Finally, the advantages and disadvantages of processes and threads are summarized with a recommendation when it is better to use processes or threads in the Linux operating system. © 2020, The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.