You are designing a high-frequency trading system requiring ultra-low latency and minimal overhead. Which approach is better and why?

hard⚖️ Approach Comparison Q8 of Q15

Operating Systems - Process vs Thread - Key Differences

AUse multiple processes to isolate failures and avoid synchronization overhead.

BUse multiple processes with shared memory segments to combine isolation and communication.

CUse a single process with asynchronous event loops to avoid context switches entirely.

DUse multiple threads within a single process to minimize context switch overhead and share data efficiently.

Step-by-Step Solution

Solution:

Step 1: Identify latency requirements
Ultra-low latency demands minimal context switch and communication overhead.
Step 2: Analyze threads vs processes
Threads share memory and have cheaper context switches, reducing latency.
Step 3: Evaluate options
Use multiple threads within a single process to minimize context switch overhead and share data efficiently leverages threads for efficient data sharing and low overhead, ideal for high-frequency trading.
Step 4: Consider other options
Processes add overhead; async event loops may not meet concurrency needs; shared memory between processes adds complexity.
Final Answer:
Option D -> Option D
Quick Check:
Threads minimize latency via shared memory and cheap context switches [OK]

Quick Trick: Threads minimize latency with shared memory and cheap switches [OK]

Common Mistakes:

MISTAKES

Trap Explanation:

PITFALL

Candidates may overvalue isolation and underestimate synchronization overhead in threads.

Interviewer Note:

CONTEXT

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