Java is a well-known programming language using which a server can be easily created. For creating a powerful server which can be either a single server or a single client connection, Java socket APIs are commonly used. Let’s take a close look in to what a multi-threaded server in Java is all about. You will learn about the concepts of multi-threading and the benefits as well as drawbacks of using multi-threaded server in Java.
Definition of multi-threading
Multi-threading can be defined as the ability of a software, operating system, hardware component or a process in managing multiple users at a single time. Instead of running multiple instances of the program on computer, such kind of application would be able to accept multiple requests by a single user or a number of users. The user requests are recorded as a thread wherein other programs are also included by the users. The commands given to the applications are easily tracked with the help of special identity that each of the threads have.
The requests are tracked along with the work status that has been assigned to each thread by multi-threaded applications. Multi-threading along with multi-processing are two important features of multi-tasking and is considered as the smallest unit in computing. Compared to the multi-processing, multi-threading is commonly used taking in to consideration the multiple advantages it offers. Separate memory spaces are not required as a common area in the computer memory is made available by the threads in multi-threading.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Multi-threading
Advantages
The advantages of a multi-threaded server compared to a single-threaded server in Java are as given below.
- Faster response to multiple queries simultaneously.
- Threads are independent of each other and do not hinder the functioning of other threads.
- Considerable time can be saved as many operations could be performed at once.
- Multi-threaded servers are always responsive irrespective of how longer the process runs where as single threaded servers could become unresponsive.
Drawbacks
Some of the disadvantages of a multi-threaded server in Java are as given below.
- Multi-threaded programs cannot be created easily.
- Analyzing and determining the root cause of an error can be considered as quite difficult.
- Testing process has certain limitations.
Conclusion
In the fast growing digital world, multi-threaded servers have become the need of the hour. Such a server could easily respond quickly to the increasing client queries quickly as well as efficiently. This makes multi-threaded server in Java an ideal choice for users.
Hubert
