Thread Concept in Java(2024)
In Java, a thread is a separate path of execution within a program. When you use threads, you allow multiple tasks to run concurrently, enabling the program to perform multiple operations simultaneously. Threads are considered lightweight because they share the same address space, meaning they can access the same variables and data structures within the program.
By using threads, we can design applications that perform tasks concurrently, making the program more efficient and responsive. For example, in a web server application, you can handle each incoming client connection with a separate thread. This allows the server to serve multiple clients simultaneously without blocking the main program execution.
Threads can communicate and share data with each other, but you need to be cautious about thread safety and synchronization to avoid data corruption or race conditions. We use proper synchronization mechanisms and locks to ensure that threads access shared resources in a coordinated manner, preventing conflicts and data inconsistencies.
Java provides built-in support for threads through the java.lang.Thread class and the java.lang.Runnable interface, allowing you to create and manage threads effectively. Threads play an important role in concurrent programming, enabling us to develop multi-threaded applications that take full advantage of modern multi-core processors and improve overall system performance.