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| Difference between Process and Program |
A program is an inactive object that has the collection of codes needed to complete a specific activity. When a program is executed, an instance of the program that is now running is called a process. A program initiates a process once it has been executed. The program's instructions are carried out by the process.
What is a Program?
A collection of instruction codes created with a specific objective in mind is called a program. It is a passive object kept in the computer system's secondary memory. A program is viewed as a static, passive object.
An executable file on disk that contains a set of instruction codes is what a program is similar to. Any programming language can be used to write the instructions found in a program. Programs can run for an infinite amount of time.
Features of a Program
- A single user can run several apps at once.
- The operating system provides main memory, where all program instructions are kept.
- It is a motionless object. It is nothing more than a file containing certain commands that must be followed.
- It doesn't have a control block.
- It is stored in the system's secondary memory.
- Multiple processes may be connected to a single program. For instance, a browser may be running several tabs simultaneously.
What is a Process?
A program that is presently running on an instance basis is called a process. It is an animated, living part of a software. When applications are running, they produce processes, which are stored in main memory.
A process ends as soon as the work is finished because it has a limited lifespan. A process is always composed of machine-readable instructions. Data selection, temporary data, etc. are all part of a process.
Features of a Process
- Each process has a specific set of data linked to it. For example, the location of the allocated memory space, the name of its parents, and security features like credentials and ownership rights.
- A procedure can only last as long as it is being carried out.
- Processes are allotted resources in the system. File descriptors and network ports are two examples.
- Process is a living, breathing thing.
- It's loaded with resources.
- It requires resources like memory address, CPU, and I/O in order to operate.
Main differences between the Process and Program
The key distinctions between the program and the process are explained here. The following are a few of the more popular variations:
- The phrases "process" and "program" are synonymous, with the former having a longer lifespan than the latter. In a real-time operating system, it's called a program; in a batch operating system, it's called sequential executing instructions/jobs.
- A set of sequential, ordered activities that need to be carried out makes up a program. A process, on the other hand, is an illustration of a program being carried out.
- The method requires a lot more resources. Processing, memory, and input/output resources might be needed for it to run successfully. A program, on the other hand, just requires storage memory.
- In contrast to a process, which is an instance of executing a program and carrying out a specified action, a program is passive in nature because it does nothing until it is executed.
- Memory, registers, and input/output resources are examples of internal and external resources used by the process to carry out and oversee the activity. The distinction between a program and a process is that a program uses CPU or I/O resources throughout its execution.
- When a process carries out a task for which instructions are written into a program, it is referred to as a program in execution. A program could be connected to multiple procedures. A PCB (Process Control Block), which has a program counter, process id, process state, and switching information, is used by the operating system to manage these project processes. The next instruction that the program will execute, either after it has finished running or before, is stored in the program counter.
- While the program needs memory space on the disk to hold all of its instructions, the process has access to a variety of resources, including the disk, printer, and memory address.
- When a process carries out a task for which instructions are written into a program, it is referred to as a program in execution. A program could be connected to multiple procedures. A PCB (Process Control Block), which has a program counter, process id, process state, and switching information, is used by the operating system to manage these project processes. The next instruction that the program will execute, either after it has finished running or before, is stored in the program counter.
- While the program needs memory space on the disk to hold all of its instructions, the process has access to a variety of resources, including the disk, printer, and memory address.
- The program has negligible overhead costs, but the procedure has significant overhead.
Conclusion
- Gaining a greater understanding of the differences between processes and programs is essential to understanding operating system functionality.
- Programs are dormant until they are initiated, but processes are dynamic entities that use system resources while they are in operation.
- Programs are kept inactive in secondary memory, but processes require substantial resources like as memory and CPU time.
- Programs have an extended lifespan; they continue to exist in storage even when they are not in use. Interactive and communicative processes are possible.
- Understanding these differences is essential to understanding how an operating system effectively assigns tasks, distributes resources, and guarantees the seamless execution of applications.
What is the difference between job program and process?
A program is a set of organized instructions with a fixed purpose; a process is the portion of a program that executes. A program is a static or passive entity, while a process is an active or dynamic thing. While programs have a longer lifespan than processes, processes have a shorter lifespan.
