AI engineering glossary · Computing foundations
What is CPU core?
CPU core: An independent processing unit inside a CPU chip that can execute its own stream of instructions. A chip with several cores can run several tasks truly in parallel, which helps multitasking and parallel programs, though a program only benefits if it is written to split its work.
CPU core: an example
A 6-core processor can run six separate Python processes at full speed simultaneously, one on each core.
Related terms
More Computing foundations terms
Where you learn it
CPU core is part of the AI Engineering Program, which teaches it with notes, a hands-on lab and an exam. The first lesson is free.