4 ms·

I'm not sure that's multitasking per se. That's just prioritizing or triage. You're still working on a single thing at a time.

• not2b 5y ago
  But that's exactly what a multitasking OS does. When the current task is waiting on I/O, it switches to the other task. It executes one at a time (at least, once per core).
  • lanstin 5y ago
    There's finishing one thing and letting the context go, and then asking "what is the next most urgent task" and then doing that task with single-pointed attention. There is also trying to mull over some software problem while a conference call where people are planning something that matters to you and you keep one ear out for if you are called out or a special topic to you is called out. The first is not harmful but the second certainly feels bad. There's also getting into the next most urgent task and getting deep into it and being free to just ignore all notifications for however long vs. people expecting to ping you on slack and get a real time answer or invite you to a call with 10 minutes notice and expecting you to be there. Again, the second is stressful and injurious to good quality work.
• maxerickson 5y ago
  No one really multitasks, it's all task switching.
• youmaylike 5y ago
  Agreed. It’s multitasking when you switch between tasks before reaching a natural stopping point.