What is the difference between parallel computing and distributed computing?

Parallel Computing Questions



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What is the difference between parallel computing and distributed computing?

Parallel computing and distributed computing are two different approaches to solving computational problems.

Parallel computing refers to the use of multiple processors or computing units to simultaneously execute a single task or problem. In parallel computing, the problem is divided into smaller subtasks that can be executed concurrently, with each processor working on a different portion of the problem. The goal is to speed up the overall computation by dividing the workload among multiple processors.

On the other hand, distributed computing involves the use of multiple computers or nodes that are connected over a network to work together on a problem. In distributed computing, the problem is divided into smaller tasks that are distributed among the nodes, and each node independently works on its assigned task. The results from each node are then combined to obtain the final solution. The main focus of distributed computing is on collaboration and resource sharing among the nodes.

In summary, the main difference between parallel computing and distributed computing lies in the way the problem is divided and the level of coordination between the computing units. Parallel computing focuses on dividing a single task among multiple processors, while distributed computing focuses on dividing a problem into smaller tasks and distributing them among multiple computers or nodes.