Final answer:
Performing multiple tasks by multiple threads involves creating separate threads that can carry out tasks concurrently in a program. Multithreading allows for parallel processing, like handling user input, graphics, and network communications in video games. It requires synchronization to manage resource sharing and can significantly reduce overall task completion time.
Step-by-step explanation:
To perform multiple tasks by multiple threads, also known as multitasking in multithreading, programmers often structure their code to create and manage separate threads that can carry out tasks concurrently. Each thread operates as an independent path of execution within a program, allowing for parallel processing of tasks. For example, in a video game, one thread might handle user input, while another manages graphics rendering, and a third could take care of network communications.
Similar to how learning a foreign language requires you to perform multiple tasks, some at the same time, so does multithreading. You manage competing demands for resources and have to synchronize the operations across threads to avoid race conditions or deadlocks. The software must ensure threads don't interfere with each other and that shared resources are used efficiently and safely. Frameworks and libraries in various programming languages provide tools for creating and managing threads. They also offer mechanisms, like locks, semaphores, and monitors to synchronize and coordinate tasks between threads.
It's important to note that the total time to complete all tasks in a multithreaded environment does not simply equal the sum of time each task takes, because they are happening in parallel. Thus, multithreading can significantly reduce the time it takes to complete a set of tasks compared to executing them sequentially.