Multitask

Multitask is a term commonly used to describe performing more than one task at a time or in rapid succession. It can refer to human behavior as well as to computational systems that manage multiple tasks concurrently. While often portrayed as increasing efficiency, multitasking is not universally beneficial and is bounded by cognitive and technical constraints.

In humans, multitasking hinges on attention and working memory. Cognitive psychology research indicates that many everyday multitasking scenarios require switching attention between tasks, which incurs time and accuracy costs. When tasks compete for the same cognitive resources, performance typically declines compared with focusing on a single task. Some simple or well-practiced activities can be done in parallel, such as walking while speaking, but complex or novel tasks often suffer under multitasking.

In computing, multitasking refers to an operating system’s ability to run multiple tasks or processes concurrently. Preemptive multitasking uses a scheduler to allocate CPU time, creating the impression of parallel execution even on a single processor. Cooperative multitasking relies on tasks to yield control. Modern systems generally employ preemptive multitasking and support processes, threads, and multiprocessing on multi-core CPUs, enabling true parallelism and improved responsiveness.

Practical implications include limiting interruptions and using strategies such as task batching, checklists, and clear prioritization to reduce unnecessary switching. In software design, developers often structure programs to be responsive by using asynchronous operations and separating concerns, which can achieve the benefits of multitasking without overloading a single workflow.