note
kal
<p>In a way, it's useful to look at the various OS implementation of threads. Take, for example, Linux - not POSIX-compatible threads, but near enough. But, they're implemented pretty much as fork()s - that's where the non-POSIX-compatibility comes from (or, at least, the most part).</p>
<p>So, what you're actually doing is comparing the management of fork()s. fork(), especially when COW, is extremely lightweight, the main cost being the task switch and the increased complexity in scheduling.</p>
<p>Threading is, therefore, unlikely to gain much in terms of "raw speed". What it might gain, though, is increased readability of code - it's very obvious to see the thread of execution of a master thread, whereas following the various parents of fork()s is not always obvious. And, of course, on non-Unix derived OSes (Windows) threads may actually be quite a win, presuming that they are implemented fairly natively. My personal feeling, though, would be go with what makes the code work out best - if it's easier to understand with threads (esp. working with ex-Java/C++ programmers), that might be the best route.</p>
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