Concurrently processing transactions, or "threads", within one program. Since transactions are processed in parallel, one transaction doesn't have to complete before another is started. (8/97)

A process that allows a multitasking operating system to multitask subportions (threads) of an application smoothly.

Concurrent processing of more than one thread of software code in parallel.

The capability to run different parts of one program on different processors.

Concurrent processing of more than one message (or similar service request) by an application program.

Some operating systems allow multiple parts, or threads, of a single process to run simultaneously.

The ability of an operating system to execute different parts of a program, called threads, simultaneously. A program which employs multithreading in a manner that ensures that its threads do not interfere with each other is considered thread-safe.

Running several processes in rapid sequence within a single program, regardless of which logical method of multitasking is being used by the operating system. Because the user's sense of time is much slower than the processing speed of a computer, multitasking appears to be simultaneous, even though only one task at a time can use a computer processing cycle.

the ability of an operating system or program to spawn multiple simultaneous execution paths (in addition to its main thread of execution) to more efficiently process parallel operations Compare to preemptive multitasking.

Process of performing multiple server tasks.

A capability of a processor core to switch to another processing thread, i.e., a set of logically connected instructions that make up a (part of) a process. This capability is used when a process thread stalls, for instance because necessary data are not yet available. Switching to another thread that has instructions that can be executed will yield a better processing utilisation.

A thread in computer science is short for a thread of execution or a sequence of instructions. Threads are similar to processes, but differ in the way that they share resources. Multiple threads can be executed in parallel on many computer systems. Multithreading generally occurs by time slicing (where a single processor switches between different threads) or by multiprocessing (where threads are executed on separate processors).

Ability to have several sequences of control within a single process. A multithreaded process is capable of several independent actions at the same time. When multiple processors are available, those concurrent but independent actions can take place in parallel.

(n.) A technique that enables multiprocessing applications to run more efficiently by breaking sequences of instructions (threads) into multiple sequences that can be executed from the kernel simultaneously.

The ability to share CPU resources among multiple threads. "Vertical" multithreading allows a CPU to switch execution between threads without needing to save the thread state (generally using duplicated registers; usually used to continue execution with another thread when one thread hits a delay due to a cache miss and must wait). "Horizontal" multithreading allows threads to share functional units without halting the execution of a thread (an idle functional unit can be assigned to any thread that needs it).

A program execution environment that interleaves instructions from multiple independent execution "threads". Threads may be distinguished only by the value of their program counters and stack pointers while sharing a single address space and set of global variables. This means that threads may be switched very quickly because there is very little state to save and restore. Multithreading offers a controlled way for a programs on a powerful PC to run many processes, in effect, "at once". This means that a user downloading a file can print another file while she writes a report in her wordprocessor and her machine checks data directories for old files that should be archived. In essence, it is a technique for making a PC appear to be able to do many tasks at once.

Placeholder information associated with a single use of a program that can handle multiple concurrent users. From the program's point-of-view, a thread is the information needed to serve one individual user or a particular service request. If multiple users are using the program or concurrent requests from other programs occur, a thread is created and maintained for each of them. The thread allows a program to know which user is being served as the program alternately gets re-entered on behalf of different users. (One way thread information is kept is by storing it in a special data area and putting the address of that data area in a register. The operating system always saves the contents of the register when the program is interrupted and restores it when it gives the program control again.)

An operating system's ability to divide computer instructions into subtasks or threads so that more tasks can be performed in smaller increments. See also Multitasking.

Allows a single process to execute multiple subroutines (threads) concurrently without starting a separate process. Because these threads access the same address space as their parent process, they can communicate with each other more effectively than if they were separate processes.

The capability of a program or operating system to run more than one program at the same time. Also known as multitasking.

Multithreading makes it possible to run multiple threads, or client processes, that all connect with the same COM-based conduit.

The method by which an operating system is able to run different parts of the same application simultaneously. See Multitasking.

The ability of an operating system to execute different parts of a program, called threads, simultaneously. If a program uses multithreading to ensure that its threads do not interfere with each other, then the program is thread-safe.

multiple concurrent threads of execution within a single application

The act of multiple threads executing byte code instruction sequences in the same program.