---
title: "Difference  between thread and process?"  
description: "A process is an executing instance of an application.A thread is a path of execution within a process. Process can contain multiple threads.      Thre"  
author: "Akash Tripathi"  
published: 2010-12-11  
updated: 2014-09-18  
canonical: https://www.mindstick.com/blog/73/difference-between-thread-and-process  
category: "c#"  
tags: ["c#"]  
reading_time: 1 minute  

---

# Difference  between thread and process?

A [process](https://yourviews.mindstick.com/story/1525/7-important-factors-that-may-affect-the-learning-process) is an executing [instance](https://www.mindstick.com/forum/1739/object-reference-is-not-set-to-an-instance-of-an-object-error-in-my-code) of an application.A thread is a [path](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/44333/4-expert-tips-on-how-to-pick-the-right-career-path) of [execution](https://www.mindstick.com/blog/178/synchronous-and-asynchronous-command-execution-in-c-sharp-dot-net) within a process. Process can contain [multiple](https://www.mindstick.com/blog/12797/iowa-is-expected-to-see-heavy-growth-in-multiple-sectors) [threads](https://www.mindstick.com/blog/11678/threads-in-java).\
\
Threads are used for small [tasks](https://www.mindstick.com/forum/12789/i-want-to-restore-a-database-bak-file-tasks-restore-database-after-i-select-from-device-and-select-file), whereas processes are used for more 'heavyweight' tasks - basically the execution of applications. Threads([Light](https://www.mindstick.com/news/1842/daylight-reproduces-more-accurately-by-the-leds-smart-lighting-system-based-on-quantum-dots) [weight](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/12951/the-importance-of-breakfast-in-weight-reduction) Processes) share the address [space](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/12954/do-your-electrical-repair-in-your-own-space) of the process that created it; processes have their own address.

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Original Source: https://www.mindstick.com/blog/73/difference-between-thread-and-process

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