Java multithreading refers to the capability of a Java program to perform multiple tasks simultaneously by using multiple threads. Threads are independent paths of execution that can run concurrently within a single process. Here are some key concepts related to Java multithreading:
- Thread class: In Java, multithreading is implemented using the Thread class. A new thread can be created by extending the Thread class or by implementing the Runnable interface.
- Synchronization: Synchronization is the mechanism used to ensure that only one thread accesses a shared resource at a time. In Java, synchronization is achieved using the synchronized keyword.
- Deadlock: Deadlock is a situation where two or more threads are blocked indefinitely waiting for each other to release resources. Deadlocks can occur when multiple threads try to acquire locks in a different order.
- Thread pools: A thread pool is a group of threads that are created to perform a set of tasks. Thread pools are used to manage the creation and reuse of threads, reducing the overhead of thread creation.
- Thread safety: Thread safety refers to the ability of a program to maintain the integrity of shared data when multiple threads are accessing it. Thread safety can be achieved by using synchronization or by using thread-safe data structures.
- Daemon threads: Daemon threads are threads that run in the background and are used to perform tasks such as garbage collection. Daemon threads are automatically terminated when all user threads have finished executing.
Overall, multithreading is an important aspect of Java programming and can be used to improve the performance of programs that need to perform multiple tasks simultaneously. Understanding the key concepts related to Java multithreading can help developers write more efficient and reliable code.