Process

A process is a sequence of actions or steps designed to achieve a particular outcome. The term derives from Latin processus, meaning a going forward. In general, processes transform inputs into outputs through a defined order of operations, often under specific conditions and with allocated resources.

Practically, processes are described by models or workflows that identify activities, decision points, responsible actors, inputs, outputs, and performance measures. They are repeatable and can be measured, improved, and, in many settings, automated. Processes are frequently documented using diagrams or specifications to ensure consistency and traceability across iterations.

Different domains use the term with domain-specific nuances. Manufacturing processes convert raw materials into finished goods; business processes coordinate activities across departments or organizations; computing processes represent executing programs and may compete for resources; chemical and biological processes describe material or energy transformations; legal and administrative processes govern procedural steps in governance and justice; natural processes occur without human design, such as weather systems or metabolic pathways.

In computing, a process is an executing instance of a program with its own memory space and system resources, while a thread is a lighter unit within a process. Process management includes process modeling, process mapping, process improvement, and process mining. Related concepts include procedure, workflow, and system processes, as well as formal notions like due process in law, which refers to fair procedural safeguards in judicial and administrative contexts.