What does a process represent in computing?

A process represents an instance of a program in execution. When a program is run, the operating system creates a process, which includes the program code, its current activity, and its allocated resources such as memory and system resources. This process is managed by the operating system, which handles scheduling for execution and allows for multitasking among multiple processes.

This understanding is fundamental in computer science as it governs how programs operate, interact with the system, and utilize resources. It distinguishes between a program (which is a static set of instructions) and a process (which is an active execution of those instructions with a specific state, including the program counter, stack, and data segment).

Thus, identifying a process as a distinct execution instance highlights its dynamic nature, differing vastly from static entities like hardware components or the entirety of the operating system itself.