Dive Into Java Concurrency: Starting with Thread Pools

Hello Java enthusiasts! I’ve been noticing a buzz around concurrency as now it’s becoming even a bigger deal in Java world — especially with Java 21 dropping the bombshell of virtual threads on us. It’s clear, we need to talk about this, so here we are, at the beginning of a series that’s going to get our hands dirty with the nuts and bolts of threading in Java. Strap in, as it’s going to be a fun ride!

Why Should We Even Care About Concurrency?

Think about it. Our processors are getting beefier with more cores than we ever had, and our applications are expected to be faster and handle more load. Java’s always been ahead of the curve with its concurrency tools, and now with virtual threads making a debut, it’s like we’ve just been handed a turbocharger for our Java engines.

Basics First: Threads

Remember the first time you ran a loop in Java and watched it meticulously execute each step? Threads are like several loops running simultaneously, each in their own slice of reality, propelling your application’s performance forward. However, we must be cautious. It’s tempting to unleash a legion of threads, which can quickly overwhelm our application, leading to a tangle of complexity rather than a symphony of efficiency.