Difference Between Multithreading and Multitasking in Java

Multithreading and Multitasking in Java

Multithreading and Multitasking in Java are two key concepts that allow multiple operations to be executed simultaneously. In today’s fast-paced world, software applications require handling multiple tasks simultaneously for better user experience and system performance.

Multitasking is the ability of operating systems that allow multiple processes or tasks to run concurrently, sharing the same processor. With multitasking, you can work on a computer, where you can browse the internet, listen to music, and download files all at the same time. Moreover, it plays a crucial role in increasing system efficiency and user productivity.

Multithreading is a concept in which the operating system divides the current process into multiple threads that execute simultaneously. Furthermore, the threads possess the same memory location and resources as the parent process.

It is thread-based multitasking and makes applications more responsive and efficient. Furthermore, multithreading helps a web server to respond to multiple client requests at a time.

Though both the concepts, multithreading and multitasking in Java, are designed to enhance efficiency, they differ in their implementation and use cases. To excel as a programmer, it is essential to understand what multithreading and multitasking are in Java.

In this blog, we will explore multithreading and multitasking and their key differences.

What is Multitasking in Java?

When an operating system runs multiple tasks at the same time, it is called multitasking. In multitasking, the processes share separate memories and resources. In this way, the CPU switches between tasks very quickly to enhance the user experience. Furthermore, it allows users to do different things at the same time, overcoming the problem of efficient utilization of the CPU.

The best example of multitasking in Java is running multiple applications like a browser, music player, and text editor simultaneously.

Types of multitasking in Java

Process-Based Multitasking (Multiprocessing)

Process-based multitasking is a type of multitasking in which the operating system runs multiple independent processes simultaneously. Moreover, the processes run separately without sharing any memory.

Thread-Based Multitasking (Multithreading)

Thread-based multithreading and multiprocessing is a concept that executes multiple threads within a single process simultaneously. Furthermore, a thread is the smallest unit of execution, and multiple threads can run concurrently to perform different tasks. The threads belonging to the same process share the memory for faster communication.

Javatpoint Multithreading and Multitasking in Java allow efficient execution of multiple tasks simultaneously, improving system performance and responsiveness.

Code of Process-Based Multitasking in Java:

import java.io.IOException;

public class ProcessBasedMultitasking {

public static void main (String [] args) {

try {

// Running multiple processes

Process process1 = Runtime.getRuntime().exec(“notepad.exe”);

Process process2 = Runtime.getRuntime().exec(“calc.exe”)

System.out.println(“Notepad and Calculator are opened.”);

} catch (IOException e) {

e.printStackTrace();

} } }

Advantages of Multitasking

Users can do multiple tasks at a time as many processes can be opened concurrently.

It enhances system productivity as it makes more use of the CPU.

Multiple programs, such as MS Word, MS Excel, Photoshop, a browser, games, and a calculator, can operate concurrently without any hiccups in performance.

Multitasking operating systems can also handle virtual memory management.

Disadvantages of Multitasking

Multitasking is slower than multithreading as there is no sharing of memory in multitasking.

It takes more time to manage multiple processes when a computer’s processes are slow.

Sometimes, running multiple processes increases CPU heat, and then you must attach the CPU’s cooling system to resolve this issue.

What is Multithreading in Java?

Multithreading is a concept or type of multitasking where multiple threads run concurrently within a single process. In multithreading, the CPU executes multiple threads from a process simultaneously, improving the performance. The system may get overloaded if we do not generate threads. So, to improve responsiveness and user experience, multithreading and multitasking in Java are very important concepts.

Code for Multithreading in Java

class MyThread extends Thread {

public void run() {

for (int i = 0; i < 5; i++) {

System.out.println(Thread.currentThread().getName() + ” is running”);

}

public static void main(String[] args) {

MyThread t1 = new MyThread();

MyThread t2 = new MyThread();

t1.start();

t2.start();

}

There are two types of threads in multithreading, single thread and multi thread. Though both are parts of multithreading, there is a difference between single thread and multi thread.

Single thread vs Multi thread

Feature	Single Thread	Multi Thread
Execution	Executes one task at a time	Executes multiple tasks concurrently
Performance	Slower	Faster
Responsiveness	Less responsive	More responsive
Example	Reading a file	Downloading a file while processing data

Advantages of multithreading

Faster execution compared to process-based multitasking.

Better resource utilization as threads require less memory.

The cost of swapping between threads is less because of the sharing of memory and resources.

Multithreading may run on multiple CPU machines that increase parallelism.

Disadvantages of Multithreading

Managing shared resources may lead to race conditions and deadlocks.

Writing multi-threaded programs is more complex than single-threaded applications.

Finding and fixing bugs can be a challenging task in multithreading.

Key Differences Between Multithreading and Multitasking in Java

Feature	Multitasking (Multiprocessing)	Multithreading
Definition	Running multiple processes at once	Running multiple threads within a process
Resource Usage	High (each process requires memory)	Low (threads share memory)
Execution Speed	Slower (context switching between processes)	Faster (lightweight context switching)
Type of Execution	Process-based execution	Thread-based execution
Scope	Works across multiple applications or processes.	Works within a single application or process.
Communication	More difficult, as inter-process communication (IPC) is required.	It’s easier, as threads share the same address space.
Memory Sharing	No (each process has its own memory)	Yes (threads share memory)
Overhead	More overhead, as each process is independent and requires its own resources.	Less overhead, since threads are lightweight.
Use Case	Suitable for multitasking operating systems like Windows or Linux.	Suitable for tasks like gaming, animations, and real-time systems.
Failure Impact	If one process fails, then it doesn’t affect others.	Failure of one thread can affect others in the same process.
Context Switching	Slower, as processes have separate memory spaces.	Faster, as threads share the same memory space.
Example	Running a browser, music player, and text editor	Downloading files while updating UI

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Kochiva is a great place to learn Java programming. We help you with practical courses like multithreading and multitasking in Java with expert instructors. At Kochiva, the training programs are based on how things actually work, which helps students grapple with sophisticated real-life issues much more easily.

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Phone – +91 9872334466

Conclusion

In conclusion, we can state that every single person wanting to work in Java must understand the basic differences between multithreading and multitasking. While multitasking enables multiple processes to be active, multithreading supports more than one thread of a single process to be run at the same time. Hence, Java developers should master the use of multithreading in order to create applications that are highly performing and responsive.

In short, both Multithreading and multitasking are critical elements in the creation of responsive applications. Moreover, many intelligent users of Java can be used to develop software that makes the best use of the CPU power and provides a great user experience.