Python Gil Flashcards
(25 cards)
What does GIL stand for in Python?
Global Interpreter Lock
True or False: The GIL allows multiple threads to execute Python bytecodes simultaneously.
False
What is the primary purpose of the GIL?
To protect access to Python objects, preventing multiple threads from executing Python bytecodes at once.
Fill in the blank: The GIL is a mechanism used in Python to manage _______.
thread safety
How does the GIL affect multi-threaded Python programs?
It can limit performance by preventing true parallel execution of threads.
Which Python implementation is known for having a GIL?
CPython
What is one of the main criticisms of the GIL?
It can be a bottleneck for CPU-bound multi-threaded programs.
True or False: The GIL is present in all Python implementations.
False
Which type of workloads benefit from the GIL?
I/O-bound workloads
What is a common workaround for the limitations imposed by the GIL?
Using multiprocessing instead of threading.
What happens to threads that are waiting for the GIL?
They are blocked until the GIL is released.
True or False: The GIL can be released during I/O operations.
True
Name one alternative Python implementation that does not have a GIL.
Jython or IronPython
How does the GIL impact performance in CPU-bound applications?
It can degrade performance due to limited thread execution.
What is one method to mitigate the GIL’s impact on CPU-bound tasks?
Using the ‘multiprocessing’ module to create separate processes.
What is the main benefit of the GIL for single-threaded applications?
It simplifies memory management and prevents data corruption.
Fill in the blank: The GIL is implemented in the _______ of CPython.
interpreter
True or False: The GIL is a feature that can be easily removed from CPython.
False
What is one advantage of using threads in Python despite the GIL?
Simplified I/O operations and concurrency.
What is the impact of the GIL on multi-core processors?
It prevents the effective use of multiple cores for CPU-bound tasks.
Which Python module can be used to bypass the GIL for CPU-bound tasks?
Cython or writing C extensions
True or False: The GIL affects the performance of all Python applications equally.
False
What is one reason why the GIL was originally introduced in Python?
To simplify memory management and avoid race conditions.
How often does the GIL switch between threads in CPython?
Typically every 5 milliseconds.
