Polling vs. Interrupt — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 4, 2024
Polling constantly checks system status, consuming resources uniformly, while interrupts remain idle until triggered, saving resources.
Difference Between Polling and Interrupt
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Polling involves the processor repeatedly checking the status of a device to see if it needs attention, continuously using processor time. Whereas interrupts allow the processor to execute other tasks and only address the device when it signals a need, making them more efficient in terms of resource utilization.
Polling is simple in implementation and useful in real-time operations where immediate response is crucial. On the other hand, interrupts can be complex to handle due to their asynchronous nature, but they are better for applications where immediate action is not constantly required.
Polling can lead to wastage of processor resources if the status check frequency is high and the device rarely needs attention. Interrupts, however, are event-driven and activate the processor only when necessary, which generally leads to better overall system performance.
Polling systems are predictable because the status checks occur at regular intervals. Interrupt systems can introduce unpredictability when multiple interrupts occur at close intervals, potentially leading to priority conflicts.
In environments with low data generation, polling can be less efficient compared to interrupts, which are ideal in high data throughput scenarios where immediate response to external events is critical.
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Comparison Chart
Resource Utilization
High, due to continuous checks
Low, activated on demand
Complexity
Simple to implement
Complex to manage
Response Time
Fixed, predictable
Variable, event-driven
Suitability
Low data generation systems
High data throughput systems
Performance Impact
Can reduce efficiency
Generally enhances efficiency
Compare with Definitions
Polling
A method where the processor checks the status of a device at regular intervals.
A server might poll its network ports to detect incoming data.
Interrupt
Requires careful management to avoid conflicts.
Interrupt priorities must be managed to prevent data loss in communication systems.
Polling
Can lead to resource wastage if not correctly tuned.
Excessive polling of a rarely-used input can drain battery life in mobile devices.
Interrupt
A signal that causes the processor to stop and handle an event.
A computer's CPU stops its current task to handle a mouse click.
Polling
Used in systems where prompt data processing is critical.
Polling is often used in assembly line robots to maintain consistent operations.
Interrupt
Triggered by external or internal events, needing immediate action.
An interrupt is sent when a printer has finished printing a document.
Polling
Continuous querying of devices to see if they need processing.
The embedded system polls the sensor to ensure it captures real-time data.
Interrupt
Helps in efficient resource management by being event-driven.
Interrupt-driven designs save power in portable electronics.
Polling
Often simpler to implement than interrupts.
Polling is preferred in simple microcontroller applications due to ease of programming.
Interrupt
Better suited for complex systems with variable data loads.
High-performance servers use interrupts to manage multiple network streams.
Polling
The casting and registering of votes in an election.
Interrupt
In digital computers, an interrupt is a response by the processor to an event that needs attention from the software. An interrupt condition alerts the processor and serves as a request for the processor to interrupt the currently executing code when permitted, so that the event can be processed in a timely manner.
Polling
The number of votes cast or recorded.
Interrupt
To break the continuity or uniformity of
Rain interrupted our baseball game.
Polling
The places where votes are cast and registered during an election, considered as a group
The polls close in this state at 8:00.
Interrupt
To stop (someone engaged in an activity) by saying or doing something
The baby interrupted me while I was on the phone.
Polling
A place where votes are cast and registered
I went to the polls before work to cast a vote.
Interrupt
To cause an activity to stop by saying or doing something.
Polling
A survey of the public or of a sample of public opinion to acquire information.
Interrupt
A signal to a computer that stops the execution of a running program so that another action can be performed.
Polling
The head, especially the top of the head where hair grows.
Interrupt
A circuit that conveys a signal stopping the execution of a running program.
Polling
The blunt or broad end of a tool such as a hammer or axe.
Interrupt
(ambitransitive) To disturb or halt (an ongoing process or action, or the person performing it) by interfering suddenly.
A maverick politician repeatedly interrupted the debate by shouting.
Polling
To receive (a given number of votes).
Interrupt
(transitive) To divide; to separate; to break the monotony of.
The evenness of the road was not interrupted by a single hill.
Polling
To receive or record the votes of
Polling a jury.
Interrupt
To assert to (a computer) that an exceptional condition must be handled.
The packet receiver circuit interrupted the microprocessor.
Polling
To cast (a vote or ballot).
Interrupt
An event that causes a computer or other device to temporarily cease what it was doing and attend to a condition.
The interrupt caused the packet handler routine to run.
Polling
To question in a survey; canvass.
Interrupt
To break into, or between; to stop, or hinder by breaking in upon the course or progress of; to interfere with the current or motion of; to cause a temporary cessation of; as, to interrupt the remarks of anyone speaking.
Do not interrupt me in my course.
Polling
To cut off or trim (hair, horns, or wool, for example); clip.
Interrupt
To divide; to separate; to break the monotony of; as, the evenness of the road was not interrupted by a single hill.
Polling
To trim or cut off the hair, wool, branches, or horns of
Polled the sheep.
Polled the trees.
Interrupt
Broken; interrupted.
Polling
To vote at the polls in an election.
Interrupt
Make a break in;
We interrupt the program for the following messages
Polling
Present participle of poll
Interrupt
Destroy the peace or tranquility of;
Don't interrupt me when I'm reading
Polling
The action of taking a poll.
Interrupt
Interfere in someone else's activity;
Please don't interrupt me while I'm on the phone
Polling
(computing) A technique that continually interrogates a peripheral or service to see if it has data to transfer.
Interrupt
Terminate;
She interrupted her pregnancy
Break a lucky streak
Break the cycle of poverty
Polling
The process of voting in an election.
Polling
The act of topping, lopping, or cropping, as trees or hedges.
Polling
Plunder, or extortion.
Polling
The act of voting, or of registering a vote.
Common Curiosities
Why are interrupts considered more efficient than polling?
Interrupts are more efficient as they save resources by activating only when necessary.
Can interrupts handle multiple events simultaneously?
Interrupts can handle multiple events but require careful priority management to avoid conflicts.
Is polling suitable for high-performance computing?
Polling is generally less suitable for high-performance computing due to its high resource usage.
Are interrupts difficult to program compared to polling?
Yes, interrupts can be more challenging to program and manage due to their asynchronous nature.
What is the main advantage of polling over interrupts?
Polling's main advantage is its simplicity and predictability in handling device status checks.
How do interrupts enhance system performance?
By being event-driven, interrupts allow the system to focus resources only when needed, enhancing overall performance.
What kind of systems benefit most from polling?
Systems with low data generation and the need for constant monitoring benefit most from polling.
Can polling be used in user interface applications?
Polling is less favored in user interface applications due to potential delays in responding to user inputs.
What is a typical scenario where interrupts are preferred?
High data throughput systems where immediate response to external events is critical, such as in network servers.
How does polling affect battery life in portable devices?
Polling can drain battery life more quickly due to continuous processor engagement.
What are the risks of using interrupts in a system?
Interrupts can lead to priority conflicts and unpredictability if not properly managed.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
