Meaning
Simultaneous performance of multiple computational or operational tasks aims to reduce the total time required for a complex sequence. The parallel execution is the technique of breaking a workload into independent segments that run concurrently rather than in a linear order. It measures the scalability of a process.
This approach is limited by the number of available processors or work centers and the nature of the tasks themselves.
Concurrency Level
Capacity determines how many operations can occur at the same time. During parallel execution, the system allocates resources to different threads of activity. High concurrency reduces the overall duration of the project.
The limit of this level is reached when the management of the threads consumes more energy than the work itself.
Resource Contention
Conflict arises when multiple tasks require the same underlying asset. Even in parallel execution, some resources remain singular and cannot be shared. This situation creates a queue.
Efficient scheduling must account for these shared points to avoid deadlocks.
Coordination Overhead
Management of separate work streams adds a layer of complexity. Parallel execution requires a final step where the results from different branches are merged into a single outcome. This assembly phase can become a bottleneck.
Successful implementation balances the gains of speed against the cost of synchronization.