Concurrent computing is resource sharing, parallel computing is multiple-resource utilizing, distributed computing is resource sharing with multiple-resource utilizing.
Concurrent programming, where different parts of a program execute independently, and parallel programming, where different parts of a program execute at the same time, are becoming increasingly important as more computers take advantage of their multiple processors.1
Terminology
Concurrent vs simultaneous2:
- “concurrent” represents the events that occur over a period of time
- “simultaneous” represents the events that occur at a point in time
Concurrent, parallel vs distributed computing:
- Concurrent computing is a form of computing in which several computations are executed concurrently (during overlapping time periods) instead of sequentially (with one completing before the next starts)3
- Parallel computing is a type of computation in which many calculations or processes are carried out simultaneously4
- Distributed computing divides a single task between multiple computers to achieve a common goal5