What is a Thread in Java?

A Thread in Java is a lightweight subprocess that allows a program to perform multiple tasks simultaneously. It is the smallest unit of execution within a program and helps achieve multithreading, improving application performance and responsiveness.

Threads are widely used in real-world applications like web servers, gaming apps, banking systems, and background processing tasks.

✅ Why Do We Use Threads?

Using threads allows programs to execute multiple operations at the same time.

Benefits:

Better CPU utilization
Faster execution
Improved application performance
Smooth user experience (non-blocking operations)

Example:
While downloading a file, you can still browse the application — this happens because of threads.

✅ Types of Threads in Java

User Thread

Created by developers
Performs application tasks

Daemon Thread

Runs in the background
Supports user threads (e.g., Garbage Collector)

✅ Ways to Create a Thread in Java

1️⃣ Extending Thread Class

```java id="r2a3dw"
class MyThread extends Thread {
public void run() {
System.out.println("Thread is running");
}

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

}




---

### 2️⃣ Implementing Runnable Interface



```java id="h7q9xm"
class MyRunnable implements Runnable {
    public void run() {
        System.out.println("Thread using Runnable");
    }

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

✅ Thread Life Cycle

A thread goes through several states:

New
Runnable
Running
Blocked/Waiting
Terminated

🎯 Interview Tip

👉 Why is Runnable preferred over extending Thread?

Because Java supports single inheritance, implementing Runnable allows a class to extend another class while still creating threads.

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