Types of Threads
In Java, there are two main types of threads: user threads & daemon threads. Let's explore each type in detail.
User Threads
User threads, also known as non-daemon threads, are the most common type of threads used in Java applications. These threads are created & managed by the application itself & are responsible for executing the main logic of the program.
Characteristics of user threads
-
User threads are explicitly created & started by the application.
-
The JVM waits for all user threads to complete before terminating the program.
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User threads have a higher priority & are not dependent on the existence of other threads.
-
They are used to perform the main tasks & computations of the application.
Here's an example of creating & starting a user thread in Java:
public class UserThread extends Thread {
@Override
public void run() {
// Thread logic goes here
System.out.println("User thread is running.");
}
}
public class Main {
public static void main(String[] args) {
UserThread userThread = new UserThread();
userThread.start();
}
}
In this example, we define a UserThread class that extends the Thread class & overrides the run() method to define the thread's logic. In the main() method, we create an instance of UserThread & start it using the start() method.
Daemon Threads
Daemon threads, also known as background threads, are threads that run in the background & provide services to other threads. These threads are typically used for background tasks such as garbage collection, system monitoring, or handling I/O operations.
Characteristics of daemon threads:
-
Daemon threads are created by setting the daemon property of a thread to true before starting it.
-
The JVM does not wait for daemon threads to complete before terminating the program. When all user threads have finished execution, the JVM will automatically terminate any remaining daemon threads.
-
Daemon threads have a lower priority compared to user threads.
-
They are used for performing background tasks that do not require explicit control by the application.
Here's an example of creating & starting a daemon thread in Java:
Java
public class DaemonThreadExample implements Runnable {
public void run() {
while (true) {
try {
System.out.println("Daemon thread checking resources...");
Thread.sleep(1000); // Check every second
} catch (InterruptedException e) {
Thread.currentThread().interrupt();
break;
}
}
}
public static void main(String[] args) {
Thread daemonThread = new Thread(new DaemonThreadExample());
daemonThread.setDaemon(true);
daemonThread.start();
try {
Thread.sleep(5000); // Main thread sleeping
} catch (InterruptedException e) {
Thread.currentThread().interrupt();
}
System.out.println("Main thread ends, daemon may still be running.");
}
}
You can also try this code with Online Java Compiler
Output
Daemon thread checking resources...
Daemon thread checking resources...
Daemon thread checking resources...
Daemon thread checking resources...
Daemon thread checking resources...
Main thread ends, daemon may still be running.
In this code, the daemon thread runs a loop that periodically checks system resources. It continues to run in the background and does not prevent the JVM from terminating when the main user tasks are complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a daemon thread be converted into a user thread?
No, once a thread is set as a daemon, it cannot be converted back to a user thread. The nature of the thread is determined at the time of its creation and remains consistent throughout its lifecycle.
Do user threads affect the performance of an application?
Yes, user threads can impact the performance of an application, especially if there are many threads running intensive tasks simultaneously. Proper management and optimization of threads are essential to maintain application efficiency.
How does Java handle thread prioritization?
Java allows developers to set priorities on threads using the setPriority(int) method. Higher priority threads are given preference in execution over lower priority ones, but thread scheduling can still depend on the JVM and the underlying operating system.
Conclusion
In this article, we have learned about the two primary types of threads in Java: user and daemon threads. User threads are crucial for the main operations of an application and must complete before the JVM can terminate. In contrast, daemon threads handle background tasks and do not prevent the JVM from exiting. By utilizing these threads effectively, developers can enhance the responsiveness and efficiency of Java applications.
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