What is a Thread in Java?
A thread in Java is a lightweight path of execution that allows multiple tasks to be executed concurrently or we can say in parallel within a single program. Threads provide a way to divide a program into smaller, independent units of execution, each of which can run in parallel with other threads.
In above diagram we can see that a Main thread and several default threads(Garbage collector, Finalizer, Reference Handler, Signal Dispatcher) are running in parallel apart from user defined thread.
The Java Virtual Machine (JVM) creates a main thread when a Java program starts running in order to execute the main() method of the program.
The main() method is the entry point of a Java program and is the first method that is executed when the program starts running. The JVM creates a new thread specifically to execute the main() method so that the program's execution does not block other threads or the operating system itself.
The main thread runs in the foreground and is responsible for executing the main logic of the program. It may create additional threads as needed to handle specific tasks, but the main thread remains the primary thread of execution throughout the program's lifetime.
By creating a separate thread for the main() method, the JVM is able to provide a secure and stable environment for the program to run in, as well as ensuring that the program's execution does not interfere with the operation of the operating system or other programs running on the same system.
Why do we use threads in Java?
Threads in Java are used to improve the performance of a program by allowing it to perform multiple tasks simultaneously. They can be used to execute time-consuming operations in the background while the main program continues to run, or to improve the responsiveness of user interfaces by keeping them from freezing while waiting for a long-running task to complete.
Improved performance: Threads can improve the performance of an application by allowing multiple tasks to be executed simultaneously. This can be especially useful for applications that perform I/O operations or run long-running tasks that would otherwise block the main thread of execution.
Improved responsiveness: By executing tasks concurrently, threads can improve the responsiveness of an application, allowing it to handle user input and respond to events quickly.
Resource sharing: Threads allow multiple tasks to share resources such as memory, CPU, and I/O devices, reducing the overall resource usage and improving the efficiency of the application.
Modularity: Threads can be used to break down a large task into smaller sub-tasks, each executed by a separate thread. This can make the application more modular and easier to manage
When do we use threads in Java?
Handling multiple concurrent tasks: When a program needs to handle multiple tasks concurrently, such as processing user input while performing network I/O or updating a GUI, threads can be used to execute each task in parallel. For example, a web server may use threads to handle multiple client connections simultaneously.
Improving performance: Threads can be used to improve the performance of a program by allowing it to perform multiple CPU-bound tasks in parallel, such as performing complex calculations or sorting large data sets. This can reduce the overall time it takes to complete a task.
Managing background operations: Threads can be used to run background operations, such as performing periodic maintenance or cleaning up unused resources, without blocking the main thread of the program.
Handling user input: Threads can be used to handle user input, such as processing mouse and keyboard events, without blocking the main thread of the program and causing it to become unresponsive.
Asynchronous programming: Threads can be used for asynchronous programming, such as executing a long-running task in the background and notifying the main thread when it completes.
In simple wording. We should be more conscious while creating a thread, It is because thread creation and switching between multiple threads increase the linked with the cost.
How do you create a thread in Java?
In Java, there are two ways to create threads: by extending the Thread class, or by implementing the Runnable interface. Here are the basic steps to create a thread using each approach:
1. Extend thread class
public class MessageSender extends Thread {
@Override
public void run() {
// Code to be executed in the thread
}
}
// Create instance for MessageSender, which will be working as a Thread
MessageSender messageSender = new MessageSender();
// By calling start method thread start execution of run() method
messageSender.start();
2. Implementing the Runnable interface
Create a new class that implements the Runnable interface. This class should define a run() method, which contains the code that the thread will execute. Object of Class implementing Runnable will not be directly act as thread itself, we must give this instance to Thread instance.
public class MessageSender extends Thread {
@Override
public void run() {
// Code to be executed in the thread
}
// Create instance
MessageSender messageSender = new MessageSender();
// Run the thread
messageSender.start();
Thread Life cycle
Lets see all those states in more details
Thread memory model
Thread is the part of some process before getting to know about thread lets have a look on process memory model.
Process can have multiple thread as we already discussed. One default thread always will be created named Main Thread. As many thread we will be creating it will be creating separate thread space for all threads. As depicted in above diagram.
Heap memory is shared with all threads and other resources as well. Lets see structure of Thread memory
Thread ID:
Each thread is assigned a unique identifier (ID) when it is created, which can be obtained using the getId() method. Thread ID is a useful tool for developers in debugging, synchronization, performance monitoring, and thread management.
Thread name:
Threads can be assigned a name when they are created, which can be obtained and set using the getName() and setName() methods.
Thread priority:
Threads can be assigned a priority level, which determines the order in which they are executed relative to other threads. Thread priorities can be set and adjusted using methods provided by the Thread class, such as setPriority() and getPriority().
Thread group:
Threads can be organized into groups using the ThreadGroup class, which provides methods for managing the threads in a group.
In Java, a thread's code and program counter are two key components that determine what the thread is executing and where it is in the execution process.
Code:
The code of a thread refers to the set of instructions that it is currently executing. In Java, a thread's code is represented by the bytecodes of the methods it is executing, which are stored in the program's memory.
Program counter:
The program counter (PC) is a special register that keeps track of the current instruction being executed by the thread. Each time the thread executes an instruction, the program counter is incremented to point to the next instruction. The program counter is also used to handle branching and looping constructs in the code.
Note : Together, the code and program counter determine what the thread is doing at any given moment, and they are used by the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) to manage thread execution. When a thread is created, it starts executing code from the beginning of a designated method. As the thread executes each instruction, the program counter is incremented to point to the next instruction, until the thread completes the method or is interrupted.
Lets have detailed look on how java program get executed
When a Java program is executed, the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) loads the program and runs the main thread by following these steps:
Loading:
The JVM loads the class files that make up the Java program. This involves finding and reading the bytecode of each class file and storing it in memory. The JVM verifies that the bytecode is valid and does not violate any security constraints.
Linking:
The JVM links the class files together to form a single cohesive program. This involves resolving any references between classes and verifying that the program is internally consistent.
Initialization:
The JVM initializes the program by executing the static initializer blocks of each class in the program. This involves running any static code that is part of the class definition, such as initializing static variables or performing other setup tasks.
Execution:
Finally, the JVM starts executing the main thread of the program by invoking the main method of the class specified on the command line. The main method is the entry point for the program and is the first method to be executed.
