Difference between Process and Program in the Operating System

What is a process in the Operating System?

A process is a program that is going through the execution. It also helps us to execute all the lines of code in the program logically. With the help of the process, we can create or delete any other process or we can also schedule another process as per the requirement of code that are written in the program.

As we all know, if we want to write a program in the programming language then we need to use a text editor or an IDE (Integrated Development Environment).

When a program is in the running condition, it is automatically transformed into the process. There is some requirement when we execute a program then it starts the process that needs memory address, I/O devices, and CPU.

The process only performs logical operations that are written in the program.

For example, suppose you want to know about something that is only present on the web then you start the browser. We can say this is a process.

Features of the process in an Operating System

A process contains some features that are as follows:

• When we execute any program in the operating system, it starts the process.
• When the program is executed, the process is active so we can say that it only has a limited lifetime.
• When the process is in working condition, it uses CPU, memory address, and I/O devices.
• It is an active entity that has a limited lifetime.
• Processes contain high resources.

What is a program in the Operating System?

A program is a file in which we can write and compile the code and we can also execute the file. In other words, a program is an executable file. So, the executable files that can be created by the user are known as programs in the operating system. It has all the instructions and the code within the file.

It is a passive entity that is only active when we execute the files. So, we can say that a program is a collection of instructions that performs the specific tasks that are assigned in the instruction.

We can run multiple programs at the same time. Program requirements are less than process because it only requires storage memory. It only performs tasks directly related to the operations of a user.

Features of the program in an Operating System

A program contains some features that are as follows:

• As we all know, the program works on the sepific tasks that are assigned in the instructions.
• It always contains a set of instructions.
• It is a passive entity that will be inactive until the program is executed.
• We can also say that a program can be responsible for multiple processes.
• Programs are stored in the secondary memory of the OS.
• The program also does not have a control block.

Difference between Process and Program

There is some key differences between the process and program:

• The first difference between a process and a program is that a process can not exist without the program and on the other hand, a program can exist independently.
• As we know, a process is an active entity and a program is a passive entity.
• Another difference between the program and the process is that the program has longer life compared to the process.
• Process is an instance of the program when it is executed.

Program	Process
It is a set of instructions that works on specific tasks.	A process starts when the program is executed.
A program is a passive entity in nature.	A process is an active entity in nature.
A program can be stored in the secondary memory of the operating system.	A process is executing then it is always stored in the primary memory of the operating system.
The program has a longer life span because they are independent.	A process has a limited lifespan compared to the program because it exists because of the program.
A program only needs memory space to store itself.	A process needs I/O devices and CPU and also the memory address at the execution time.
A program doesn’t have any control block in OS.	It has its own control block which is known as a process control block.
There are only two components in program data and code files.	The process needs program data, priority resources process management chosen by CPU, and many other things.
A program cannot be changed by itself.	Many processes can be changed in real time because they are using the same program that can change the process.
The program doesn't have any significant overhead.	The process generally has an overhead.