[Jython-dev] Does Jython support the Java threading model or the cPython threading model?

[john c. <joh...@ya...>]

I have not yet been able to find an answer to this
question.  I understand that the development aim
behind Jython is to be closely matched to cPython. 
However, this would be an interesting place for Jython
to diverge from cPython.

CPython implements a global interpreter lock which
prevents multiple threads from running on multiple
CPUs.  A single multi-threaded cPython process makes
little use of the extra processing horsepower
available on enterprise class SMP server
configurations.

The java threading model supports both OS native
threads and "green" threads depending on the JVM used.
 If Jython is based on the Java threading model.  With
a fair degree of good software design, it is actually
possible for a multi-threaded Jython process to run
faster than the corresponding cPython process.  So the
factor 2 which comes up so frequently when comparing
the speed of Jython to cPython is somewhat irrelevant
and largely depends on the context of which it is
used.

If Jython is based on the Java threading model, a
server comprised of 4 CPUs could potentially out pace
the cPython process by a factor of 2.  I feel this is
a very important distinction between the two varieties
of python, and for enterprise class systems, the use
of Jython may be preferred.

I am an avid Jython user.  Jython has a way of making
Java seem very simple.  I'm impatient and like to get
to the point of things quickly. I am currently using
Jython in conjunction with the java accessibility
package.  I find it extremely indispensable since I
can run the program I want to interface from the
interpreter by calling main, then poke around at the
interpreter prompt.  It's a very powerful tool.

John Coppola
joh...@ya...

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