What is the term for a method where multiple tasks share processing resources?

The term that describes a method where multiple tasks share processing resources is commonly known as multitasking. This approach allows an operating system to execute more than one task simultaneously by sharing the CPU time among these tasks. In a multitasking environment, albeit the tasks may not literally run at the same moment (in the case of single-core processors), the system rapidly switches between tasks, giving the illusion of simultaneous execution.

Multitasking is essential in modern computing, as it enhances efficiency and optimizes resource usage. While it allows for responsiveness in applications and better user experience, it does not mean that tasks must be executed in parallel; rather, they are interleaved in their execution.

While other terms like parallel processing do involve multiple tasks, they typically refer to executing tasks at the same time on different processors or cores. Concurrency involves managing multiple tasks that can start, run, and complete in overlapping time periods, but not necessarily simultaneously. Task allocation may refer to distributing tasks across resources but does not specifically describe the sharing of processing resources among them.