Java

Threads

Multitasking in Java! Learn how to create and manage threads.

By TechCoder TeamLast updated: 2026-06-02
In a Nutshell

Multitasking in Java! Learn how to create and manage threads. This hands-on tutorial focuses on practical implementation of threads concepts.

Threads

Multithreading is a Java feature that allows concurrent execution of two or more parts of a program.

Creating a Thread

There are two ways to create a thread.

1. Extending the Thread class

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

  public static void main(String[] args) {
    MyThread t = new MyThread();
    t.start(); // Not t.run()!
  }
}

2. Implementing the Runnable Interface

This is preferred because you can still extend another class.

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

  public static void main(String[] args) {
    MyRunnable r = new MyRunnable();
    Thread t = new Thread(r);
    t.start();
  }
}

Thread Lifecycle

New -> Runnable -> Running -> Blocked/Waiting -> Terminated.

Interactive Code

Race two threads!

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Quiz

Quiz

Question 1 of 3

Which method starts a thread execution?

run()
start()
execute()
init()

Next Steps

Threads can be chaotic. We need Synchronization to keep them in order.