What is the difference between a Java thread pool and a single thread?

What is the difference between a Java thread pool and a single thread?

A Java thread pool is a collection of pre-initialized threads that can be reused for executing tasks, while a single thread executes tasks one at a time. Thread pools improve performance by reducing the overhead of thread creation.

When should I use a thread pool instead of a single thread?

You should use a thread pool when you have multiple tasks that can run concurrently, especially if they are I/O bound or if you want to manage resources efficiently.

What are the advantages of using a thread pool?

The advantages include reduced latency for task execution, better resource management, and the ability to limit the number of concurrent threads, which helps prevent resource exhaustion.

Can you give me an example of how to implement a thread pool in Java?

Sure! You can use the ExecutorService interface. Here's a simple example:

ExecutorService executor = Executors.newFixedThreadPool(5);
executor.submit(() -> {
    // Your task here
});
executor.shutdown();