Creating a thread in Java can be done in a few different ways — all based on the java.lang.Thread class and the java.lang.Runnable interface. Here’s a clear breakdown 👇
🧩 1. By Extending the Thread Class
You can create a thread by extending the Thread class and overriding its run() method.
Example:
class MyThread extends Thread {
public void run() {
System.out.println("Thread is running...");
}
public static void main(String[] args) {
MyThread t1 = new MyThread();
t1.start(); // starts the thread, which internally calls run()
}
}
🟢 Important:
Always call start() — not run() — to actually create a new thread of execution.
🧩 2. By Implementing the Runnable Interface
This is the preferred and more flexible way because Java supports single inheritance.
Example:
class MyRunnable implements Runnable {
public void run() {
System.out.println("Thread is running using Runnable...");
}
public static void main(String[] args) {
MyRunnable myRunnable = new MyRunnable();
Thread t1 = new Thread(myRunnable);
t1.start();
}
}
🧩 3. Using an Anonymous Class
If you don’t want to create a separate class:
public class Main {
public static void main(String[] args) {
Thread t1 = new Thread(new Runnable() {
public void run() {
System.out.println("Thread using anonymous Runnable...");
}
});
t1.start();
}
}
🧩 4. Using Lambda Expression (Java 8+)
Simplest and most modern way:
public class Main {
public static void main(String[] args) {
Thread t1 = new Thread(() -> {
System.out.println("Thread using lambda expression...");
});
t1.start();
}
}
⚙️ Optional: Using ExecutorService
For better thread management (recommended for real applications):
import java.util.concurrent.ExecutorService;
import java.util.concurrent.Executors;
public class Main {
public static void main(String[] args) {
ExecutorService executor = Executors.newFixedThreadPool(2);
executor.execute(() -> System.out.println("Task running..."));
executor.shutdown();
}
}