Polling vs. Pulling: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed & Dua Fatima || Updated on March 7, 2024
Polling involves periodically checking for updates or responses, commonly used in computing and surveys, while pulling refers to retrieving data or resources upon request, emphasizing a direct action to obtain information.
Key Differences
Polling is a method used in various contexts, such as computing and surveys, where there is a regular check made to see if there are any updates or if a certain condition has been met. In computing, it's a technique where the computer repeatedly checks the status of an external device or data source at regular intervals. This can ensure that the system reacts promptly to changes. On the other hand, pulling is a concept often associated with retrieving or downloading data upon request. In version control systems, for example, "pulling" refers to fetching changes made in a remote repository to update the local copy.
Dua Fatima
Mar 07, 2024
In the context of software development, polling is frequently used in scenarios where an application needs to monitor or wait for a specific event or change without continuous intervention from the user or another system. This could involve checking for new emails, updates from a sensor, or responses from a web server. Whereas pulling is actively initiated by the user or system, indicating a specific request for data or a resource, such as a user requesting the latest updates from a website or a software application retrieving the latest data from a database.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 07, 2024
Polling can be less efficient than pulling in certain scenarios because it involves constantly checking for updates, which can consume resources and potentially lead to delays in processing other tasks. This is particularly noticeable in high-volume or real-time systems where latency is a critical factor. Pulling, in contrast, is generally more resource-efficient as it occurs on-demand, reducing unnecessary checks and data transmission until it is explicitly requested.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 07, 2024
Polling is sometimes preferred or necessary when the polling entity cannot directly initiate or control the timing of data retrieval, or when continuous monitoring is required. For instance, in embedded systems or situations where the status of a device must be monitored continuously. Pulling is more suited for situations where updates are less frequent or when it is more practical to retrieve data at specific intervals determined by the user or system demand.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 07, 2024
The choice between polling and pulling often depends on the specific requirements of the application or system, including factors like data volume, frequency of updates, resource availability, and real-time needs. Polling might be used to ensure timely reactions in systems where changes must be detected immediately, while pulling might be favored for efficiency and control over when and how data is accessed.
Dua Fatima
Mar 07, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Periodically checking for updates or status changes.
Actively retrieving or requesting data or resources.
Dua Fatima
Mar 07, 2024
Usage Context
Common in computing for device status checks and surveys.
Often used in data retrieval and version control.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 07, 2024
Efficiency
Can be less efficient due to constant checks.
Generally more efficient as it occurs on-demand.
Dua Fatima
Mar 07, 2024
Resource Consumption
May consume more resources and lead to potential delays.
Reduces unnecessary data checks and transmission.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 07, 2024
Suitability
Preferred when continuous monitoring is required.
Suited for on-demand data retrieval with less frequency.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 07, 2024
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Polling and Pulling Definitions
Polling
Used to monitor device status.
The system's polling mechanism ensures timely updates from the sensor.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 07, 2024
Pulling
Common in version control.
Developers frequently pull changes from the central repository to keep their local copies updated.
Dua Fatima
Mar 07, 2024
Polling
A method of regularly checking for updates.
The software polls the server every minute to detect new messages.
Dua Fatima
Mar 07, 2024
Pulling
More efficient than polling.
Pulling data on-demand reduces server load compared to continuous polling.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 07, 2024
Polling
Necessary for continuous monitoring.
Polling allows the surveillance system to react quickly to detected movements.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 07, 2024
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Pulling
User or system initiated.
The user pulls the latest news feed by refreshing the webpage.
Dua Fatima
Mar 07, 2024
Polling
Involves waiting for an event.
The application uses polling to wait for the user's input on the graphical interface.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 07, 2024
Pulling
Suited for less frequent updates.
The application pulls weather updates only when the user requests them.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 07, 2024
Polling
Can lead to resource consumption.
Extensive polling may increase the system's load, affecting performance.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 07, 2024
Pulling
Retrieving data upon request.
The client pulls the latest updates from the database as needed.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 07, 2024
Pulling
To apply force to (something) so as to cause or tend to cause motion toward the source of the force
Pulled her chair up to the table.
Pulled the wagon down the street.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Pulling
To remove from a fixed position; extract
The dentist pulled the tooth.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Polling
A place where votes are cast and registered
I went to the polls before work to cast a vote.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Polling
A survey of the public or of a sample of public opinion to acquire information.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Pulling
(Slang) To draw out (a weapon) in readiness for use
Pull a gun.
Pulled a knife on me.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Pulling
(Informal) To remove
Pulled the car's engine.
Pulled the tainted meat product from the stores.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Pulling
(Sports) To hit (a ball) so that it moves in the direction away from the dominant hand of the player propelling it, as to the left of a right-handed player.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Polling
To trim or cut off the hair, wool, branches, or horns of
Polled the sheep.
Polled the trees.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Pulling
To exert force in moving something toward the source of the force
Pull harder and the window will open.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Polling
(computing) A technique that continually interrogates a peripheral or service to see if it has data to transfer.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Pulling
To move in a certain direction or toward a certain goal
Pulled into the driveway.
Pulled even with the race leader.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Pulling
To gain a position closer to an objective
Our team has pulled within three points of the league leader.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Pulling
To drink or inhale deeply
Pulled on the cold beer with gusto.
Pull on a cigarette.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Pulling
(Informal) To express or feel great sympathy or empathy
We're pulling for our new president.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Pulling
Force exerted in pulling or required to overcome resistance in pulling
How much pull does this tugboat have?.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Pulling
(Slang) A means of gaining special advantage; influence
The lobbyist has pull with the senator.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Pulling
(Informal) The ability to draw or attract; appeal
A star with pull at the box office.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Pulling
The act of pulling; applying force to move something toward or with you;
The pull up the hill had him breathing harder
His strenuous pulling strained his back
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What is polling?
Regularly checking for updates or status changes, often used in computing and surveys.
Dua Fatima
Mar 07, 2024
What does pulling mean?
Actively retrieving or requesting data or resources, typically upon user or system request.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 07, 2024
In what scenarios is polling preferred?
When continuous monitoring is essential, such as device status updates or event detection.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 07, 2024
Why might pulling be favored over polling?
For on-demand data retrieval, reducing unnecessary checks and enhancing resource efficiency.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 07, 2024
How do polling and pulling differ in efficiency?
Polling can consume more resources due to continuous checks, whereas pulling is more efficient as it occurs on-demand.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 07, 2024
How does pulling enhance data retrieval?
By fetching data only when needed, it ensures timely and efficient access to updates.
Dua Fatima
Mar 07, 2024
How can polling and pulling be optimized?
By adjusting the frequency of polling and using pulling strategically to balance efficiency and timeliness.
Dua Fatima
Mar 07, 2024
Can polling affect system performance?
Yes, extensive polling may increase system load and lead to performance issues.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 07, 2024
When is pulling used in version control systems?
To fetch changes from a remote repository, updating the local copy with the latest data.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 07, 2024
What role does polling play in software development?
It enables applications to monitor for specific events or changes without constant manual intervention.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 07, 2024
Are there alternatives to polling and pulling?
Yes, techniques like webhooks and push notifications offer more immediate ways to receive updates without constant checking.
Dua Fatima
Mar 07, 2024
How do developers choose between polling and pulling?
By considering factors like update frequency, real-time needs, and resource availability.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 07, 2024
Can users control polling and pulling?
In some applications, users can adjust settings to control the frequency of polling or initiate pulling as needed.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 07, 2024
What impact do polling and pulling have on data freshness?
Polling can ensure more up-to-date information through regular checks, while pulling may result in slightly less current data, depending on the request frequency.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 07, 2024
What are the resource implications of each method?
Polling may lead to higher resource use, while pulling minimizes unnecessary data transmission.
Dua Fatima
Mar 07, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
Co-written by
Dua Fatima
Shumaila Saeed
Hifza Nasir
Dua Fatima
