Introduction to Multithreading in Java

Multithreading in Java may also be explained as the special feature that reduces the time to run an application by the mean of threads. The threads are usually more in number in complex programs and its usage is totally dependent on the requirement of the program. Threads have to coordinate among each other in order to generate the expected output.

In Java, the feature of multithreading is leveraged to develop an application in which small parts of any program is capable to run in parallel to each other. The execution of the threads at the same time makes the program very efficient and also helps in optimal utilization is CPU. Based on the requirement of the function, one thread can wait until other is being executed.

What is Multithreading?

Multithreading could be defined as the functionality in the programing language that is used to get various task executed at the same time. It is the common feature found in the high-level programming language that facilitates simultaneous thread execution. Well, you know what thread is? Let me tell you. The thread is nothing but the small task that is supposed to be run concurrently.

In this, the threads are assigned with some priority values that define which thread will run first. The threads are allocated with numbers from 0 to 10. The thread with higher value has a higher priority and vice versa. For instance, the thread with value 8 will execute before the thread with priority 2. In this case, the thread with value 2 has to wait until the thread with value 8 shows the green signal for execution to the thread with 2 as the priority.

Understanding/Implementing Multithreading

Let’s explore how we can implement multithreading in Java. In order to implement it, we have to use either the Thread class or the runnable interface. When we are intended to implement it by extending the Thread class we can just create an object and invoke the run method(we will see later) and if we have to bring it using runnable interface then the thread has to be instantiated.

In actual terms, it is implemented using the run function. The run function can be defined as the special function that starts the thread execution. This function could be invoked using the start function that has to be used together with the object in order to bring the thread in execution. Once the thread is started, it will perform all the tasks that are defined underrun(). Based on the priority, the thread used to choose which one has to run and which one has to wait.

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Working with Multithreading

In this section, we will learn how we can code in Java to implement multithreading. As discussed in the previous section, we will be using the run() and start() functions to actually bring the multiple executions of the thread.

Below is the picture that has code written over it to apply multiple threading.

1. Implementing Multithreading by extending Thread

The above example starts creating threads for 8 times as it mentioned there and also making sure that the number assigned with the threads should be starting from 8. The output for this program will be below.

Output

I am thread number 8.

I am thread number 9.

I am thread number 10.

I am thread number 11.

I am thread number 12.

I am thread number 13.

I am thread number 14.

I am thread number 15.

2. Introducing by using Runnable interface.

In this example, it is devised by implementing the Runnable interface. The way it is different from the above last example is, we had to create the object of Thread class in order to use that with the start() function. The output of this program will be the same as that of the last program. Below is the output.

Output

I am thread number 8.

I am thread number 9.

I am thread number 10.

I am thread number 11.

I am thread number 12.

I am thread number 13.

I am thread number 14.

I am thread number 15.

Advantages of Multithreading in java

When we talk about the quick execution of any program, it just has to perform several operations at the same time. It is very advantageous when it comes to making an efficient program that executes quickly at almost no time.

Below are a few common benefits :

Enhancing efficiency – It makes the application very efficient by making the optimal use of the CPUs. I let the threads use the CPU efficiently by making use of it while other threads wait for some output.
Sharing Memory – The best part about multithreading is, the thread that it uses do not occupy the memory but use it on a shared basis. Hence, it also makes the efficient use of memory by sharing it appropriately.
Reduces run time – It usually mitigates the time utilized by an application to run the particular program. The time that it saves by the mean of threads could be used for other programs to minimize the time of program execution.
Used in complex applications – The usage of threads in application development makes it a bit easy to create the modules the application as they are being used in the very efficient manner in order to make the designing and development easy.

How does Multithreading in java make working so easy?

In the last few sections, we got to know how useful it is to use Multithreading in any application in order to make it efficient. It makes work actually very easy when it comes to developing an application that is supposed to utilize less time to perform any action. In addition to the performance benefits, it also allows the application to use the storage in a shared manner and hence save the memory as well.

Every application that processes the huge amount of data or has to perform large computations should use the feature in order to make it consume less time and offer the correct output in the very short span of time. In addition to its common plus points, it makes the program look a bit complicated. On the other side, if it is handled properly, it could lead to giving an edge to the application over other softwares that are not comprised of multithreading

Required skills

We had implemented multithreading in the example section and we have an idea how to write any program that uses the feature of multithreading. As far as we understood the things, it is obvious that it is not rocket science and also doesn’t demand a lot of skill to develop the application using this. There are a few basic skills based on Java that one has to be aware of to implement this correctly in any application.

The fundamental knowledge of Java is very necessary to work with threads. We had to use either the class Thread or has to implement the Runnable interface to introduce this efficient feature so it is obvious that one has to know how to work with classes and interfaces. These are the mandatory things that a developer should excel before getting their hands into developing modules based on threads.

Why should we use Multithreading in java?

Though we are very familiar with the positive side of multithreading, we must know why should we use it in our programs. Well, it is said that behind anything or any action, there must exist some purpose. So getting the precise purpose behind the usage of this is very essential. So let’s see what are things that make us use it.

It helps us in the development of the application that works very efficiently in order to fulfill the business requirement. Anything that consumes fewer resources is always appreciated. In the same way, this feature enhances the storage efficiency and helps us to save resources. In addition to that, it also allows us to design a program that uses less time in execution and makes the user experience very satisfying.

Multithreading in java scope

In the competitive era where everyone is rushing to save their time, multithreading could be ultimately useful. The programs or algorithms that are begin designed these days are very complex some time and request a large set of resource and more than enough time to get executed. By introducing this option in the algorithms, we can make the time consumed while the computation is pretty less.

The developer with the skill set of application development using threads is going to be under huge demand as the complexity of applications are increasing gradually day by day. Even in the current period, companies are hiring the Java developers like anything and the understanding of how threads are implemented can add an edge to your skills. It is always better to know much and correct so that it could be implemented somewhere and the case is same with multithreading as well.

Who is the right audience for learning Multithreading in java technologies?

When it comes to learning something additional, most of us prefer to gain much. So keeping this point in mind, it is a sure thing that folks who are interested in learning Java could be the best audience for this. To be more specific, students who are willing to develop an application by standing out of the crowd should learn about threads as it can be used in applications to makes it look and work in an extraordinary manner.

In term of the professional career in Java, one must have to learn multithreading and it should not be kept optional. Java developer who has working experience in core Java should get their hand in learning this module as it is very crucial when they will try to learn or explore advance java. By the time developers tries to explore more packages, understanding of threads makes their work a bit easy.

How this technology will help you in career growth?

This is an amazing part of Java. It is gaining popularity among developers day by day due to the best features it offers. It makes the program or application really very useful. Starting from low or mid-size companies to the multinational companies, all are looking for Java developers who have working experience in various parts of Java where multithreading is the must one.

For Java developers, it adds an edge to their skill and makes them employable. One can barely get any job in Java if they don’t have hands-on practice on multithreading. So if you are looking to grow your career in the field of Java or any other programming language than you must have the idea about the working of thread and how it could be implemented from scratch.

Conclusion

Overall, multithreading in Java is a very essential part that every Java developer should be aware of. It is very helpful in making the program efficient and reduces the usage of storage resources. It actually makes the CPUs to be utilized optimally so that the application can perform well regardless of its complexity. If you want to explore more about threads, you must have to get an in-depth understanding of Thread class and Runnable interface as both offers the way and make it popular among developers. So go ahead, do your researches and let us know if we can help you anyway!