Learn in the textbookTypes and Performance of Processors
DefinitionA multi-core processor (マルチコアプロセッサ) is a processor that has several cores, the central parts that process instructions, on one chip, with each core running different work at the same time.
ExplanationA processor with 2 cores is called dual-core, and one with 4 cores is called quad-core. The unit of a continuous flow of processing that runs inside a program is called a thread. Some parts of a job can only proceed in order, so adding cores does not always raise performance in proportion to the core count.
AnalogyIt is like a shop with one checkout adding more checkouts. Customers in line can pay at different registers at the same time.
Memory hookDual is the 2 of a duet and quad is the 4 of a quartet. Both prefixes give the number of cores.