Skip to content

Multithreading in Java with Examples

Jump to bottom
Ramesh Fadatare edited this page Sep 1, 2018 · 2 revisions

In this article, we will learn what is multithreading and how to create multthreading programs in java with examples.

Let's quickly discuss theory about Multithreading in Java.

Java provides built-in support for multithreaded programming. A multithreaded program contains two or more parts that can run concurrently. Each part of such a program is called a thread, and each thread defines a separate path of execution. Thus, multithreading is a specialized form of multitasking.

You are almost certainly acquainted with multitasking because it is supported by virtually all modern operating systems. However, there are two distinct types of multitasking:

  1. Process-based
  2. Thread-based.

Let's understand the difference between the two.

  1. A process is, in essence, a program that is executing. Thus, process-based multitasking is the feature that allows your computer to run two or more programs concurrently. For example, process-based multitasking enables you to run the Java compiler at the same time that you are using a text editor or visiting a website.

  2. In process-based multitasking, a program is the smallest unit of code that can be dispatched by the scheduler.In a thread-based multitasking environment, the thread is the smallest unit of dispatchable code. This means that a single program can perform two or more tasks simultaneously. For instance, a text editor can format text at the same time that it is printing, as long as these two actions are being performed by two separate threads. Thus, process-based multitasking deals with the “big picture,” and thread-based multitasking handles the details.

  3. Multitasking threads require less overhead than multitasking processes. Processes are heavyweight tasks that require their own separate address spaces. Interprocess communication is expensive and limited.

  4. Context switching from one process to another is also costly. Threads, on the other hand, are lighter weight. They share the same address space and cooperatively share the same heavyweight process. Interthread communication is inexpensive, and context switching from one thread to the next is lower in cost. While Java programs make use of process-based multitasking environments, process-based multitasking is not under Java’s control. However, multithreaded multitasking is.

Multithreading enables you to write efficient programs that make maximum use of the processing power available in the system. One important way multithreading achieves this is by keeping idle time to a minimum.

Clone this wiki locally