The GIL Revealed: Why Python Threading Isn't Really Parallel

DEV CommunityThursday, October 30, 2025 at 12:07:09 AM
In a recent discussion about Python's threading module, Timothy faced challenges while trying to enhance the speed of a data processing script. Despite his efforts, the results were confusing, prompting him to seek help from Margaret. This scenario highlights the common misconceptions about threading in Python, particularly its limitations in achieving true parallelism. Understanding these nuances is crucial for developers aiming to optimize their code effectively.
— Curated by the World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

Was this article worth reading? Share it

Recommended Readings
GitHub says TypeScript surpassed Python and JavaScript in August 2025 to become the most used language among its 180M+ developers; India added 5.2M devs in 2025 (The GitHub Blog)
PositiveArtificial Intelligence
In a significant milestone for the tech community, GitHub has announced that TypeScript has overtaken Python and JavaScript to become the most used programming language among its 180 million developers as of August 2025. This shift highlights the growing popularity of TypeScript, particularly as more developers embrace its features for building robust applications. Additionally, India has seen a remarkable increase of 5.2 million developers in 2025, showcasing the country's expanding role in the global tech landscape. This news is important as it reflects the evolving preferences in programming languages and the rapid growth of the developer community.
How Quantum Computing Will Redefine Programming
PositiveArtificial Intelligence
Quantum computing is on the brink of revolutionizing programming as we know it. This groundbreaking technology promises to transform software development, algorithms, and data processing, pushing the boundaries of what computers can achieve. As we explore the potential of quantum computing, it's clear that this leap forward could redefine our approach to technology, making it an exciting time for developers and tech enthusiasts alike.
PyDPF: A Python Package for Differentiable Particle Filtering
PositiveArtificial Intelligence
The introduction of PyDPF, a Python package for differentiable particle filtering, marks a significant advancement in time series analysis. This tool simplifies the application of particle filtering, a method crucial for estimating hidden states in complex systems. By allowing users to easily specify and estimate unknown parameters, PyDPF enhances the accessibility and efficiency of state-space models, making it a valuable resource for researchers and practitioners in data science.
Exploring End-to-end Differentiable Neural Charged Particle Tracking -- A Loss Landscape Perspective
PositiveArtificial Intelligence
A recent study on end-to-end differentiable neural charged particle tracking highlights the importance of advanced software pipelines in measuring high-energy particles. This research is significant as it combines traditional methods with machine learning to enhance the efficiency of detection systems used in scientific, medical, and industrial fields. By optimizing these processes, the study paves the way for improved accuracy and performance in various applications, making it a noteworthy advancement in the field.
From Local Chaos to Container Harmony: Dockerizing a Render Engine for AI Animations
PositiveArtificial Intelligence
In a recent exploration of containerization, a new workflow for packaging Python services using multi-stage Docker builds has been developed. This approach not only enhances consistency and portability but also addresses the common issue of code that works on one machine but fails on another. By leveraging modern dependency management tools, this method promises to streamline the process of creating reliable images for AI animations, making it easier for developers to collaborate and innovate.
Day 18: Python Palindrome Checker Tutorial – Ignore Case, Spaces & Punctuation
PositiveArtificial Intelligence
On Day 18 of the #80DaysOfChallenges, participants are diving into a fun and practical Python project: building a palindrome checker. This challenge is not just about coding; it enhances skills in string manipulation and conditionals, making it ideal for beginners. It's a great way to prepare for coding interviews or simply explore text processing in a hands-on manner.
Collecting Real-Time Data with APIs: A Hands-On Guide Using Python
PositiveArtificial Intelligence
This article provides a practical guide on using APIs for real-time data collection with Python. It explains the importance of APIs, how they function, and offers step-by-step instructions for beginners. Understanding APIs is crucial in today's data-driven world, as they enable seamless integration and access to valuable information.
How to Implement Geofencing Using Python and PostGIS
PositiveArtificial Intelligence
Geofencing is revolutionizing GPS tracking and location-based services by allowing developers to create virtual boundaries that trigger actions when objects enter or exit these areas. This technology is essential for applications like delivery services, fleet management, and IoT solutions. In this guide, we delve into how to implement geofencing using Python and PostGIS, showcasing the spatial capabilities of PostgreSQL. Understanding this process is crucial for developers looking to enhance their applications with location-based functionalities.
Latest from Artificial Intelligence
From Generative to Agentic AI
PositiveArtificial Intelligence
ScaleAI is making significant strides in the field of artificial intelligence, showcasing how enterprise leaders are effectively leveraging generative and agentic AI technologies. This progress is crucial as it highlights the potential for businesses to enhance their operations and innovate, ultimately driving growth and efficiency in various sectors.
Delta Sharing Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions, Answered - Part 1
PositiveArtificial Intelligence
Delta Sharing is experiencing remarkable growth, boasting a 300% increase year-over-year. This surge highlights the platform's effectiveness in facilitating data sharing across organizations, making it a vital tool for businesses looking to enhance their analytics capabilities. As more companies adopt this technology, it signifies a shift towards more collaborative and data-driven decision-making processes.
Beyond the Partnership: How 100+ Customers Are Already Transforming Business with Databricks and Palantir
PositiveArtificial Intelligence
The recent partnership between Databricks and Palantir is already making waves, with over 100 customers leveraging their combined strengths to transform their businesses. This collaboration not only enhances data analytics capabilities but also empowers organizations to make more informed decisions, driving innovation and efficiency. It's exciting to see how these companies are shaping the future of business through their strategic alliance.
WhatsApp will let you use passkeys for your backups
PositiveArtificial Intelligence
WhatsApp is enhancing its security features by allowing users to utilize passkeys for their backups. This update is significant as it adds an extra layer of protection for personal data, making it harder for unauthorized access. With cyber threats on the rise, this move reflects WhatsApp's commitment to user privacy and security, ensuring that sensitive information remains safe.
Why Standard-Cell Architecture Matters for Adaptable ASIC Designs
PositiveArtificial Intelligence
The article highlights the significance of standard-cell architecture in adaptable ASIC designs, emphasizing its benefits such as being fully testable and foundry-portable. This innovation is crucial for developers looking to create flexible and reliable hardware solutions without hidden risks, making it a game-changer in the semiconductor industry.
WhatsApp adds passkey protection to end-to-end encrypted backups
PositiveArtificial Intelligence
WhatsApp has introduced a new feature that allows users to protect their end-to-end encrypted backups with passkeys. This enhancement is significant as it adds an extra layer of security for users' data, ensuring that their private conversations remain safe even when stored in the cloud. With increasing concerns over data privacy, this move by WhatsApp is a proactive step towards safeguarding user information.