Memory Consistency Models

Memory consistency models define the rules that determine the order in which memory operations (like reads and writes) appear to happen across different processors or threads in a computer system. They ensure that when multiple parts of a program access shared data, the results are predictable and correct. Different models allow varying degrees of flexibility in reordering operations for performance, but still maintain logical consistency from the programmer’s perspective. In essence, these models balance speed and correctness, guiding how systems synchronize data updates efficiently while preventing errors in concurrent execution.