What is the difference between parallel stream and threads in Java?

Joanna 134 Published: 11/09/2024

What is the difference between parallel stream and threads in Java?

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What is the difference between parallel programming and multithreading in java

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In Java, both parallel programming and multithreading are concepts aimed at improving program performance by executing multiple tasks simultaneously. However, there's a crucial distinction between them:

Multithreading: Multithreading is the process of creating multiple threads within a single program, each responsible for executing a specific task or set of tasks. A thread is essentially an independent path of execution that runs concurrently with other threads. Each thread shares the same memory space and resources as the main program, but has its own stack and program counter.

In Java, multithreading is achieved using the Thread class, which provides methods for creating, starting, stopping, and managing threads. A main thread (also known as the "main thread" or "primary thread") is responsible for coordinating the execution of multiple worker threads.

Parallel Programming: Parallel programming, on the other hand, refers to the process of dividing a task into smaller, independent subtasks that can be executed concurrently by multiple processors or cores. This approach aims to take advantage of the computing resources available in modern computer architectures, such as multi-core CPUs and GPU accelerators.

In Java, parallel programming is typically achieved using libraries like Java Parallel Processing (JPP) or third-party frameworks like Apache Spark, Hadoop MapReduce, or Intel's MKL (Math Kernel Library). These libraries provide APIs for writing parallel algorithms that can be executed on multiple processors or cores.

Key differences:

Scope: Multithreading is primarily used to improve program responsiveness by executing tasks concurrently within a single program. Parallel programming, however, focuses on dividing larger computational tasks into smaller subtasks that can be executed in parallel across multiple processors or cores. Thread Management: In multithreading, the main thread is responsible for managing and coordinating the execution of multiple worker threads. In parallel programming, each processor or core has its own resources and memory, making thread management less relevant. Memory Sharing: Multithreaded programs share the same memory space and resources, while parallel programs often allocate separate memory spaces to each processor or core. Synchronization: Multithreading requires careful synchronization to ensure correct thread interaction and data sharing. In parallel programming, synchronization is less of a concern, as tasks are typically executed independently without shared resources.

In summary:

Multithreading is used for improving program responsiveness by executing multiple threads concurrently within a single program. Parallel programming is used for dividing larger computational tasks into smaller subtasks that can be executed in parallel across multiple processors or cores. While both concepts aim to improve performance, they differ in their scope, thread management, memory sharing, and synchronization requirements.

I hope this clears up any confusion!