If you’re an aspiring Java developer, you might have come across the phrase ‘multithreading program’ in your daily life. So, what is multithreading in Java? Multithreading in Java is a feature that enables the simultaneous running of two or more parts of a program by making optimum use of the processing unit. Each thread in a program is defined with a path for execution in a multithreading program in Java; these threads are run concurrently. Before we move ahead, these are some of the methods used in thread class:
It is used for Obtaining a thread’s name
-It obtains a thread’s priority
It determines if a thread is still running
It waits for a thread to terminate
Entry point for the thread
If you are still wondering – What is a multithreading program? – then these methods will be used ahead in the article, after understanding the basics of Java multithreading in depth. All of these are explained below in a detailed manner.
A multithreading program in Java enables multiple parts of a program to be executed simultaneously. These parts, known as threads, are lightweight processes readily available throughout the process. A Multithreading program in Java, therefore, leads to maximum use of CPU by multitasking. Some of the advantages of multithreading in Java are mentioned below.
There are two ways of creating multiple threads in Java to harness the maximum output of the CPU which are used depending upon the needs of the program structure.
Java provides both a runnable interface and class thread that are available to access in the Java language package. These methods are explained with examples for a better understanding of the code required.
There are two ways to achieve multithreading in java
It is used when a thread is needed to be created, and it is the most recommended process to follow.
It is used when your process requires more functionalities for a thread, a thread interface is implemented.
Go through these programs to understand how multithreading works.
class Count implements Runnable
{
Thread mythread ;
Count()
{
mythread = new Thread(this, “my runnable thread”);
System.out.println(“my thread created” + mythread);
mythread.start();
}
public void run()
{
try
{
for (int i=0 ;i<10;i++)
{
System.out.println(“Printing the count ” + i);
Thread.sleep(1000);
}
}
catch(InterruptedException e)
{
System.out.println(“my thread interrupted”);
}
System.out.println(“mythread run is over” );
}
}
class RunnableExample
{
public static void main(String args[])
{
Count cnt = new Count();
try
{
while(cnt.mythread.isAlive())
{
System.out.println(“Main thread will be alive till the child thread is live”);
Thread.sleep(1500);
}
}
catch(InterruptedException e)
{
System.out.println(“Main thread interrupted”);
}
System.out.println(“Main thread run is over” );
}
}
Output:
my thread createdThread[my runnable thread,5,main]
Main thread will be alive till the child thread is live
Printing the count 0
Printing the count 1
Main thread will be alive till the child thread is live
Printing the count 2
Main thread will be alive till the child thread is live
Printing the count 3
Printing the count 4
Main thread will be alive till the child thread is live
Printing the count 5
Main thread will be alive till the child thread is live
Printing the count 6
Printing the count 7
Main thread will be alive till the child thread is live
Printing the count 8
Main thread will be alive till the child thread is live
Printing the count 9
mythread run is over
Main thread run is over
Example of Thread Class
class Count extends Thread
{
Count()
{
super(“my extending thread”);
System.out.println(“my thread created” + this);
start();
}
public void run()
{
try
{
for (int i=0 ;i<10;i++)
{
System.out.println(“Printing the count ” + i);
Thread.sleep(1000);
}
}
catch(InterruptedException e)
{
System.out.println(“my thread interrupted”);
}
System.out.println(“My thread run is over” );
}
}
class ExtendingExample
{
public static void main(String args[])
{
Count cnt = new Count();
try
{
while(cnt.isAlive())
{
System.out.println(“Main thread will be alive till the child thread is live”);
Thread.sleep(1500);
}
}
catch(InterruptedException e)
{
System.out.println(“Main thread interrupted”);
}
System.out.println(“Main thread’s run is over” );
}
}
Output:
my thread createdThread[my runnable thread,5,main]
Main thread will be alive till the child thread is live
Printing the count 0
Printing the count 1
Main thread will be alive till the child thread is live
Printing the count 2
Main thread will be alive till the child thread is live
Printing the count 3
Printing the count 4
Main thread will be alive till the child thread is live
Printing the count 5
Main thread will be alive till the child thread is live
Printing the count 6
Printing the count 7
Main thread will be alive till the child thread is live
Printing the count 8
Main thread will be alive till the child thread is live
Printing the count 9
mythread run is over
Main thread run is over
Threading in Java, at any point of time, exists in any one of the following states.
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