Sending messages between erlang processes: Atoms vs Binaries

Question

Are atoms copied from one process to another when I send an atom as a message? My thinking is that since this atom already exists in the VM, there is no need to make a copy. I understand that binaries are more efficient when sending from one process to another.

If I send a trigger message, a constant message from one process to another, which is better to use: atom or binary?

Answer 1

, . , , , , . , , , , .

, ?

, , . , , - , : send(pid, :do_some_work). ( ).

, , . , . 1 .

, , . , . , .

, , 3 .

: (, elixir, erlang)?

Erlang VM: http://www.erlang.org/doc/efficiency_guide/advanced.html