Difference Between Multithreading and Multitasking

Feature	Multithreading	Multitasking
Definition	The process of executing multiple threads within a single process.	The ability of an operating system to execute multiple tasks (processes) at the same time.
Execution Unit	Uses multiple threads within the same application/process.	Uses multiple independent processes.
Resource Usage	Shares the same memory space and resources of the parent process.	Each task runs in its own memory space and may have its own resources.
Complexity	Easier to manage since all threads share the same process resources.	More complex as different processes require inter-process communication (IPC).
Speed	Faster because context switching between threads is lightweight.	Slower due to higher overhead in context switching between processes.
Communication	Threads communicate easily as they share memory.	Processes require explicit communication mechanisms (e.g., pipes, sockets).
Example	A web browser using multiple threads for rendering, downloading, and running JavaScript simultaneously.	Running a web browser, a media player, and a text editor simultaneously.

Summary:

Multithreading is about managing multiple threads within a single application (e.g., handling multiple user requests in a server).
Multitasking is about managing multiple independent applications running at the same time (e.g., running MS Word while listening to music)