Concurrency: meaning, definitions and examples

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concurrency

[kənˈkʌrənsi ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

programming

The ability of different parts or units of a program, algorithm, or problem to be executed out-of-order or in partial order, without affecting the final outcome.

Synonyms

parallelism, simultaneity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
concurrency	Concurrency is often used in the context of computing to describe multiple processes or threads being executed in overlapping time periods, though not necessarily simultaneously. It emphasizes the management of multiple tasks at the same time. Concurrency allows an application to handle many tasks at once, improving efficiency. Understanding concurrency is crucial for writing responsive software.
parallelism	Parallelism refers to the simultaneous execution of multiple tasks or processes. It is often used in high-performance computing where tasks are performed in actual parallel, usually on multiple processors or cores. Parallelism can significantly reduce the time required for large computations. The program utilizes parallelism to process data chunks concurrently.
simultaneity	Simultaneity denotes the occurrence of events at the exact same time. It is used in various fields such as physics, telecommunications, and everyday language to emphasize that two or more events happen together. The simultaneity of the two announcements caused confusion. In quantum mechanics, simultaneity plays a critical role in understanding particle interactions.

Word

Description / Examples

concurrency

Concurrency is often used in the context of computing to describe multiple processes or threads being executed in overlapping time periods, though not necessarily simultaneously. It emphasizes the management of multiple tasks at the same time.

Concurrency allows an application to handle many tasks at once, improving efficiency.
Understanding concurrency is crucial for writing responsive software.

parallelism

Parallelism refers to the simultaneous execution of multiple tasks or processes. It is often used in high-performance computing where tasks are performed in actual parallel, usually on multiple processors or cores.

Parallelism can significantly reduce the time required for large computations.
The program utilizes parallelism to process data chunks concurrently.

simultaneity

Simultaneity denotes the occurrence of events at the exact same time. It is used in various fields such as physics, telecommunications, and everyday language to emphasize that two or more events happen together.

The simultaneity of the two announcements caused confusion.
In quantum mechanics, simultaneity plays a critical role in understanding particle interactions.

Examples of usage

Concurrency in programming allows multiple tasks to run simultaneously.
The use of concurrency can improve the performance of a software application.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

general

The state of two or more things happening or existing at the same time or in a synchronous way.

Synonyms

coincidence, simultaneity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
concurrency	Use this term in technical or computing contexts to describe multiple processes happening at the same time, often used in programming or project management. Concurrency is challenging in multi-threaded environments. Effective concurrency control is crucial for database systems.
simultaneity	Used in more formal or academic contexts to describe the occurrence of events at exactly the same time. Often used in physics or other scientific disciplines. The simultaneity of the two explosions was captured on the security cameras. Simultaneity in special relativity is different from our everyday understanding of simultaneous events.
coincidence	This word is best used when talking about events that happen at the same place or time by chance, often with a sense of surprise or serendipity. It was a sheer coincidence that we met at the same cafe. What a coincidence that both our flights arrived at the exact same time!

Word

Description / Examples

concurrency

Use this term in technical or computing contexts to describe multiple processes happening at the same time, often used in programming or project management.

Concurrency is challenging in multi-threaded environments.
Effective concurrency control is crucial for database systems.

simultaneity

Used in more formal or academic contexts to describe the occurrence of events at exactly the same time. Often used in physics or other scientific disciplines.

The simultaneity of the two explosions was captured on the security cameras.
Simultaneity in special relativity is different from our everyday understanding of simultaneous events.

coincidence

This word is best used when talking about events that happen at the same place or time by chance, often with a sense of surprise or serendipity.

It was a sheer coincidence that we met at the same cafe.
What a coincidence that both our flights arrived at the exact same time!

Examples of usage

The concurrency of events made it difficult to determine the cause of the problem.
The meeting was scheduled to avoid concurrency with other important events.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word originates from the Latin 'currere,' meaning 'to run,' combined with 'con,' meaning 'together' or 'with.'
It has evolved in usage since the early 17th century to describe simultaneous occurrences in various sectors.
The concept has links to several disciplines, particularly in computing and law, where it refers to simultaneous processes or actions.

Computer Science

In programming, it enables multiple processes to run at once, improving efficiency and resource use.
Concurrency is crucial in web servers that handle many user requests simultaneously, ensuring smooth performance.
Languages like Java and Python provide built-in support for concurrent programming with tools like threads and async functions.

Psychology

Research suggests humans can effectively manage multiple tasks concurrently, but performance may drop due to divided attention.
The brain has areas specialized for processing simultaneous sensory inputs, allowing us to perceive events in real time.
Cognitive load theory highlights that while handling concurrent tasks, the brain has limitations in processing information.

Pop Culture

Movies often depict concurrency in thrilling chase scenes where characters experience multiple events happening at once.
In music, artists blend different sounds and rhythms to create a concurrent musical experience, often termed a mashup.
TV shows with multiple storylines happening in parallel use concurrency as a storytelling technique to maintain viewer interest.

Business

In project management, concurrency allows teams to work on various tasks at the same time, increasing productivity.
Marketing strategies often leverage concurrency by running multiple campaigns simultaneously to reach a broader audience.
Companies use concurrent workflows to streamline operations, reducing bottlenecks and improving customer experience.

Translations

Translations of the word "concurrency" in other languages:

🇵🇹 concorrência

🇮🇳 समानांतरता

🇩🇪 Nebenläufigkeit

🇮🇩 kesamaan waktu

🇺🇦 конкуренція

🇵🇱 współbieżność

🇯🇵 同時性

🇫🇷 concurrence

🇪🇸 concurrencia

🇹🇷 eşzamanlılık

🇰🇷 동시성

🇸🇦 التزامن

🇨🇿 současnost

🇸🇰 súčasnosť

🇨🇳 并发

🇸🇮 sočasnost

🇮🇸 samhliðaferli

🇰🇿 қатарлық

🇬🇪 კონკურენცია

🇦🇿 eyni vaxtda olma

🇲🇽 concurrencia