Mohammad.mja74@gmail.
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Java Threads?!
Writing clean &
Efficient Code
Mohammad Javad Akbari
Senior Java Developer
[email protected]Introduction
Understand Java Multi-Threading
Ever wondered how apps juggle multiple tasks at
once? Let’s unravel the magic behind threads,
locks, and executors! This tutorial will guide you
through writing code that’s fast, safe, and ready
for the real world—no stress, just clarity. Let’s
explore together!
Threads 10
Thread Safet
Executor Service
Locks & Tool
Best Practices
Mohammad Javad Akbari
Senior Java Developer
[email protected]Threads
What are threads?
A thread is the smallest unit of execution within a process. A
process can have multiple threads running concurrently. Think of a
restaurant kitchen (process) with multiple chefs (threads)
preparing different dishes (tasks) simultaneously.
Example
Process vs. Thread: A Process is an instance of a
running program. It has its own dedicated memory space,
resources. A Thread exists within a process. Multiple
threads within the same process share the process's
resources, especially memory (the heap space)
Mohammad Javad Akbari
Senior Java Developer
[email protected]Thread Safety
What does thread safety mean?
Example
Code is thread-safe if it behaves correctly when accessed by
multiple threads. Uncontrolled concurrent access can lead to race
conditions. When a thread invokes a synchronized instance method,
it automatically acquires the intrinsic lock for that object. No other
thread can enter any synchronized method on the same object until
the first thread exits the method.
Race Condition: When multiple threads access shared
mutable state (data that can be changed) concurrently,
unexpected and incorrect results can occur if access is
not controlled. This is called a race condition.
Mohammad Javad Akbari
Senior Java Developer
[email protected]Executor Services
Modern Concurrency
Executor Services handle the messy work of threads—creation,
recycling, and task juggling—so you don’t have to. They reuse
threads smartly (like a reusable crew!), slash overhead, and
prevent system meltdowns. Add task queues, scheduling, and
clean shutdowns? Done. Turn chaos into order for servers, data
jobs, and beyond. →
Example
Thread Pooling: Reuses existing threads,
reducing the overhead of thread creation.
Mohammad Javad Akbari
Senior Java Developer
Locks
[email protected]Explicit Locks: More flexible than synchronized
Example
Think of locks like a restroom key at a gas station. Only one
person (thread) can use it at a time—everyone else waits their
turn. Java’s ReentrantLock is that key, but smarter
Timeout? tryLock(5, SECONDS) "I’ll wait 5 seconds, then leave if it’s occupied.
Fairness? new ReentrantLock(true) "First in line gets it next, no cutting!
Safety Net? Always unlock() in finally "Return the key even if you flood the
sink!"
When? Use locks when synchronized feels too rigid
like when you need bouncer-level control over who
accesses what, and when.
Mohammad Javad Akbari
Senior Java Developer
[email protected]Best Practices
Best Practices for Java Multithreading
1 - Prefer Executors Over Raw Threads:
Reduces overhead and improves resource management.
2 - Avoid Shared Mutable State:
Use immutable objects (e.g., final fields) where possible.
3 - Use High-Level Tools
Concurrent Collections: ConcurrentHashMap, CopyOnWriteArrayList
Atomic Variables: AtomicInteger, AtomicReference (lock-free thread
safety).
4 - Handle Exceptions:
Catch exceptions in threads (uncaught exceptions can terminate
the thread silently).
5 - Avoid Deadlocks
Acquire locks in a consistent order
Use timeouts with tryLock().
Mohammad Javad Akbari
Senior Java Developer
[email protected] You know that 'aha!' moment when
threads finally make sense? I live
for those! Let's grab virtual coffee
and geek out - my treat ️
.
Mohammad Javad Akbari
Senior Java Developer