Difference between Parallel Computing and Distributed Computing

There are mainly two computation types, including parallel computing and distributed computing. A computer system may perform tasks according to human instructions. A single processor executes only one task in the computer system, which is not an effective way. Parallel computing solves this problem by allowing numerous processors to accomplish tasks simultaneously. Modern computers support parallel processing to improve system performance. In contrast, distributed computing enables several computers to communicate with one another and achieve a goal. All of these computers communicate and collaborate over the network. Distributed computing is commonly used by organizations such as Facebook and Google that allow people to share resources.

In this article, you will learn about the difference between Parallel Computing and Distributed Computing. But before discussing the differences, you must know about parallel computing and distributed computing.

What is Parallel Computing?

It is also known as parallel processing. It utilizes several processors. Each of the processors completes the tasks that have been allocated to them. In other words, parallel computing involves performing numerous tasks simultaneously. A shared memory or distributed memory system can be used to assist in parallel computing. All CPUs in shared memory systems share the memory. Memory is shared between the processors in distributed memory systems.

Parallel computing provides numerous advantages. Parallel computing helps to increase the CPU utilization and improve the performance because several processors work simultaneously. Moreover, the failure of one CPU has no impact on the other CPUs' functionality. Furthermore, if one processor needs instructions from another, the CPU might cause latency.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Parallel Computing

There are various advantages and disadvantages of parallel computing. Some of the advantages and disadvantages are as follows:

Advantages

1. It saves time and money because many resources working together cut down on time and costs.
2. It may be difficult to resolve larger problems on Serial Computing.
3. You can do many things at once using many computing resources.
4. Parallel computing is much better than serial computing for modeling, simulating, and comprehending complicated real-world events.

Disadvantages

1. The multi-core architectures consume a lot of power.
2. Parallel solutions are more difficult to implement, debug, and prove right due to the complexity of communication and coordination, and they frequently perform worse than their serial equivalents.

What is Distributing Computing?

It comprises several software components that reside on different systems but operate as a single system. A distributed system's computers can be physically close together and linked by a local network or geographically distant and linked by a wide area network (WAN). A distributed system can be made up of any number of different configurations, such as mainframes, PCs, workstations, and minicomputers. The main aim of distributed computing is to make a network work as a single computer.

There are various benefits of using distributed computing. It enables scalability and makes it simpler to share resources. It also aids in the efficiency of computation processes.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Distributed Computing

There are various advantages and disadvantages of distributed computing. Some of the advantages and disadvantages are as follows:

Advantages

1. It is flexible, making it simple to install, use, and debug new services.
2. In distributed computing, you may add multiple machines as required.
3. If the system crashes on one server, that doesn't affect other servers.
4. A distributed computer system may combine the computational capacity of several computers, making it faster than traditional systems.

Disadvantages

1. Data security and sharing are the main issues in distributed systems due to the features of open systems
2. Because of the distribution across multiple servers, troubleshooting and diagnostics are more challenging.
3. The main disadvantage of distributed computer systems is the lack of software support.

Key differences between the Parallel Computing and Distributed Computing

Here, you will learn the various key differences between parallel computing and distributed computation. Some of the key differences between parallel computing and distributed computing are as follows:

1. Parallel computing is a sort of computation in which various tasks or processes are run at the same time. In contrast, distributed computing is that type of computing in which the components are located on various networked systems that interact and coordinate their actions by passing messages to one another.
2. In parallel computing, processors communicate with another processor via a bus. On the other hand, computer systems in distributed computing connect with one another via a network.
3. Parallel computing takes place on a single computer. In contrast, distributed computing takes place on several computers.
4. Parallel computing aids in improving system performance. On the other hand, distributed computing allows for scalability, resource sharing, and the efficient completion of computation tasks.
5. The computer in parallel computing can have shared or distributed memory. In contrast, every system in distributed computing has its memory.
6. Multiple processors execute multiple tasks simultaneously in parallel computing. In contrast, many computer systems execute tasks simultaneously in distributed computing.

Head-to-head Comparison between the Parallel Computing and Distributed Computing

Conclusion

There are two types of computations: parallel computing and distributed computing. Parallel computing allows several processors to accomplish their tasks at the same time. In contrast, distributed computing splits a single task among numerous systems to achieve a common goal.