Creating Threads

In Java, there are two primary ways to create threads:

1. Extending the Thread class.
2. Implementing the Runnable interface.

Both approaches allow you to define the task a thread should execute using the run() method.

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1. Extending the Thread Class

To create a thread by extending the Thread class, override its run() method. The start() method is used to begin execution.

Example: Extending the Thread Class

class MyThread extends Thread {
    public void run() {
        System.out.println("Thread running: " + Thread.currentThread().getName());
    }
}

public class ThreadExample {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        MyThread thread = new MyThread();
        thread.setName("MyThread-1");
        thread.start(); // Start the thread
    }
}

Output:

Thread running: MyThread-1

Explanation:

• The MyThread class extends Thread and overrides the run() method.
• The start() method invokes the run() method in a new thread.

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2. Implementing the Runnable Interface

The Runnable interface provides a more flexible way to create threads. It allows a class to define the run() method without inheriting from Thread.

Example: Implementing the Runnable Interface

class MyRunnable implements Runnable {
    public void run() {
        System.out.println("Thread running: " + Thread.currentThread().getName());
    }
}

public class RunnableExample {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        Thread thread = new Thread(new MyRunnable(), "MyRunnable-1");
        thread.start(); // Start the thread
    }
}

Output:

Thread running: MyRunnable-1

Explanation:

• The MyRunnable class implements the Runnable interface and defines the run() method.
• A Thread object is created with the Runnable instance, and the start() method begins execution.

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Key Differences Between the Two Approaches

Aspect	Extending Thread	Implementing Runnable
Inheritance	Limits flexibility (Java does not support multiple inheritance).	More flexible (can extend another class).
Use Case	Suitable for simple thread creation.	Preferred for complex applications.

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Key Takeaways

• Use the Thread class for quick and simple thread creation.
• Use the Runnable interface for better flexibility and reusability.
• Always call the start() method to begin thread execution (not the run() method directly).