The Java Thread Model

* Java uses threads to allow multiple tasks to run simultaneously within a single program.

* Threads are lightweight processes that share the same memory but operate independently.

* The Java thread model helps in multitasking and improves application performance.

* The Thread class and Runnable interface are used to create and manage threads.

* Threads can be in different states: new, runnable, blocked, waiting, or terminated.

* Java provides built-in support for thread management, making it easier to handle concurrency.

* Thread management helps avoid issues like deadlocks and resource conflicts

The Main Thread

* The main thread is the first thread that executes when a Java program starts.

* It’s created automatically and is the parent of all other threads in the program.

* Other threads can be created from the main thread to perform specific tasks.

* The main thread can be controlled using methods like setName(), getName(), and getPriority().

* The main thread often handles important initialization tasks.

* If the main thread ends, all other non-daemon threads in the program will also terminate.

* Understanding the main thread is essential for coordinating other threads effectively.

Creating a Thread

* A thread can be created by extending the Thread class and overriding its run() method.

* Another way is by implementing the Runnable interface and defining the run() method.

* The start() method is called to begin the thread’s execution.

* Threads created by extending Thread have the benefit of direct access to Thread methods.

* Implementing Runnable is more flexible as it allows a class to inherit from other classes.

* Threads run independently, so different parts of a program can execute simultaneously.

* Managing thread creation efficiently can lead to smoother application performance.

Creating Multiple Threads

* Multiple threads are useful for performing several tasks at once.

* Each thread can be created using separate instances of Thread or Runnable.

* Multiple threads allow better utilization of CPU resources.

* Threads can be created and assigned different tasks to improve multitasking.

* Proper synchronization is needed to avoid conflicts when multiple threads access shared
resources.

* Java’s thread management methods help in coordinating multiple threads smoothly.

* Using multiple threads effectively can greatly enhance program speed and responsiveness.

Using isAlive() and join()

* isAlive() checks if a thread is still running, returning true if it’s active.

* It’s useful for verifying whether a thread has completed its task.

* join() makes one thread wait until another thread finishes execution.

* This method helps coordinate tasks by ensuring a thread doesn’t proceed until another is
complete.

* join() is often used in programs with dependent threads.

* Using isAlive() and join() ensures better control over thread execution.

* These methods contribute to safer and more predictable multithreaded programming.

Enumerations (Enums) in Java

* Enums Definition: Enums are lists of named, constant values, used to represent fixed sets of
values.

* Purpose: They make code easier to read and reduce mistakes by limiting values to predefined
options.

* Enum Instances: Each value in an enum is an instance, created at compile time.

* Added Features: Enums can have fields (data), methods (actions), and constructors (initial setup).

* Keyword: The enum keyword defines enums, like enum Days { MONDAY, TUESDAY, ... }.

* Common Uses: Enums often represent things like days, directions, or states (e.g., success or
failure).

* Benefit: They make code clearer and simpler to maintain, especially in big programs.

Enumeration Fundamentals

* Constant Nature: Enum values are final (unchangeable) and static (shared).
* Implements Only: Enums can use interfaces but can't extend other classes, as they already extend
java.lang.Enum.

* Custom Behavior: Enums can have extra methods, data, and a constructor.

* Type Safety: Enums prevent invalid values by only allowing predefined options.

* Switch Compatibility: The switch statement works well with enums, making code decisions simpler.

* Thread Safety: Enums are safe to use in programs with multiple threads.

* Structured Values: They add organization to programs with a fixed set of values.

The values() and valueOf() Methods

* values(): Returns an array of all enum values, which is useful for looping through them.

* valueOf(String name): Converts a string into the matching enum value.

* Dynamic Use: These methods make working with enums more flexible.

* Iteration: values() is handy for going through each value in an enum.

* Conversion: valueOf() is helpful to convert user inputs or file data into enum values.

* Benefit: They make enums more accessible and structured for managing values in Java.

Introduction to Wrapper Classes:

* Convert primitive types (e.g., int, char) to objects.

* Examples: Integer (int), Double (double), Boolean (boolean).

* Useful in collections (e.g., ArrayList).

* Part of java.lang package.

* Provide methods to work with primitive values.

Character Wrapper:

* Represents char as an object.

* Useful in collections.

* Methods: isLetter(), isDigit(), toUpperCase(), toLowerCase().

* Helps with character operations in text-processing apps.

Boolean Wrapper:

* Represents boolean as an object.

* Common methods: booleanValue(), parseBoolean().

* Useful when null values are needed.

* Important in decision-making conditions.

Numeric Type Wrappers:

* Wrappers: Integer (int), Double (double), Float (float), Long (long), etc.

* Methods: intValue(), doubleValue(), parseInt().

* Provide constants: MAX_VALUE, MIN_VALUE.

* Useful for mathematical operations with objects.

Autoboxing:

* Automatically converts primitive to wrapper object.

* Example: int to Integer.

* Simplifies code, especially in collections.

Unboxing:

* Converts wrapper object to primitive.

* Example: Integer to int.

* Allows easy use in calculations.

Autoboxing/Unboxing in Expressions:

* Happens automatically in expressions.

* Example: Integer a = 10; int b = a + 5;.

* Makes math with mixed data types easier.

Autoboxing/Unboxing in Methods

* Autoboxing allows you to pass primitive values to methods that expect objects, while unboxing
does the reverse.

* Example:

void addInteger(Integer x) {

System.out.println(x + 10);

addInteger(5);

* This feature improves compatibility and code readability by allowing methods to accept both
objects and primitives seamlessly.

Autoboxing/Unboxing Boolean and Character Values

* Boolean: A boolean primitive can be autoboxed to Boolean and vice versa.

Example
Boolean flag = true; // Autoboxed

boolean check = flag; // Unboxed

* Character: A char primitive can be autoboxed to Character and vice versa.

Example

Character letter = 'A'; // Autoboxed

char ch = letter; // Unboxed

* This feature ensures that even non-numeric types (like boolean and char) can be used flexibly in
collections and methods.