Runnable Interface in Java: Implementation, Steps & Errors
Updated on Mar 07, 2025 | 19 min read | 24.8k views
Share:
For working professionals
For fresh graduates
More
Updated on Mar 07, 2025 | 19 min read | 24.8k views
Share:
Table of Contents
In the world of programming, multithreading is a powerful technique that allows an application to perform multiple tasks simultaneously. It’s like having multiple workers in a factory, each handling a different task at the same time, making the process faster and more efficient. Without multithreading, an application would be like a single worker trying to do everything—tasks would pile up, and performance would suffer.
Java provides several tools for multithreading, and one of the key components is the runnable interface. By implementing a runnable interface in Java, you can define code that can be executed by multiple threads, boosting efficiency and responsiveness.
Whether you're building a high-performance application or just trying to ensure smooth user interactions, understanding how to leverage threads is crucial. In this blog, you’ll learn what is runnable interface in Java and how it can help you create faster, more responsive applications. Dive in!
The runnable interface in Java is essential for multithreading, providing a straightforward way to define tasks that run concurrently. It includes just one method—run()—which represents the task to be executed in a separate thread.
However, runnable itself doesn't manage thread creation; it only defines the task. To use it, create a class that implements runnable and overrides the run() method. Then, pass an instance of the class to a thread object, which runs the task in its own thread.
The runnable interface simplifies parallel task execution, making applications more efficient.
Also Read: Java Tutorial: Learn Java Programming From Scratch For Beginners
So, how exactly do you create a thread with the runnable interface in Java? Let's walk through the process.
Creating a thread using the runnable interface in Java is a clean and efficient way to leverage multithreading. It allows you to define tasks that can be executed concurrently, without directly dealing with the complexities of the thread class.
Here’s a breakdown of the steps involved:
1.Define a Class That Implements Runnable
You have to create a class that implements the runnable interface. This class will define the task that the thread will execute.
class MyRunnable implements Runnable {
@Override
public void run() {
System.out.println("Task is running in a separate thread!");
}
}
2. Create an Instance of Runnable
Once the class is implemented, create an instance of that class. This instance represents the task to be executed in a separate thread.
MyRunnable myRunnable = new MyRunnable();
3. Create a Thread Object
Next, you have to create a thread object and pass the runnable instance to it. The thread object represents the actual thread of execution.
Thread thread = new Thread(myRunnable);
4. Start the Thread
Finally, you can start the thread by calling its start() method. This triggers the execution of the run() method defined in the runnable implementation.
thread.start();
Explanation: In these steps, you define a task with the Runnable interface, encapsulate it in a thread, and execute it concurrently. This separates the task from thread management, making the code cleaner and more maintainable. The Runnable interface lets you define parallel tasks without the complexity of extending the Thread class.
Also Read: Life Cycle of Thread in Java
Now that you’ve grasped the basics of what is runnable interface in java and how it’s created, let’s look at a practical example to see how it’s implemented in Java.
Implementing the runnable interface in Java is a simple and effective way to create threads. First, you define a class that implements runnable and override its run() method, which contains the task to be executed by the thread. Then, you create a thread object and pass an instance of your runnable-implemented class to the thread constructor.
Finally, you start the thread using the start() method. This approach is commonly used for creating lightweight tasks that can run concurrently, helping improve the performance and responsiveness of applications.
You can go through a simple example to better understand how to implement the runnable interface in Java. This will give you a clearer idea of how threads are created and executed in Java using the runnable interface.
Here’s a simple code demonstration:
class MyRunnable implements Runnable {
@Override
public void run() {
System.out.println("Task is running in thread: " + Thread.currentThread().getName());
}
}
public class Main {
public static void main(String[] args) {
// Create an instance of the Runnable implementation
MyRunnable myRunnable = new MyRunnable();
// Create a thread and pass the Runnable instance to it
Thread thread = new Thread(myRunnable);// Start the thread
thread.start();
}
}
By using this approach, Java’s multithreading capabilities are at your fingertips, enabling concurrent task execution with ease.
Also Read: Thread Priority in Java: Explained with Examples
Although developers often turn to the runnable interface when implementing multi-threading in Java. However, certain errors can arise during its usage.
When implementing the runnable interface in Java, developers may encounter various common challenges that can lead to runtime issues or improper thread behavior.
Below are some of the most frequent errors, along with tips on how to address them:
1. Missing run() Method Implementation
Problem: A common mistake is forgetting to implement the run() method when creating a class that implements the runnable interface. Since the runnable interface mandates the run() method, failing to implement it will result in a compile-time error.
Solution: Ensure that the run() method is properly implemented in the class.
For example:
public class MyRunnable implements Runnable {
@Override
public void run() {
// Task to be executed in a separate thread
}
}
2. Incorrect Thread Start (Calling run() Instead of start())
Problem: A common mistake when working with threads is calling the run() method directly instead of calling the start() method on a Thread object. Calling run() directly does not initiate a new thread; it simply executes the run() method in the current thread.
Solution: Always call the start() method to initiate a new thread.
For example:
MyRunnable myRunnable = new MyRunnable();
Thread thread = new Thread(myRunnable);
thread.start(); // Correct way to start the thread
3. Not Handling InterruptedException
Problem: When implementing the run() method, you may need to perform long-running tasks, which could be interrupted. If a thread is interrupted during execution (e.g., via Thread.interrupt()), it will throw an InterruptedException. Failing to handle this exception can result in unexpected behavior or unhandled exceptions.
Solution: Ensure that InterruptedException is properly handled or propagated. You can either catch the exception within the run() method or declare that your method throws it.
For example:
public class MyRunnable implements Runnable {
@Override
public void run() {
try {
// Some long-running task
} catch (InterruptedException e) {
// Handle the interruption
Thread.currentThread().interrupt(); // Restore the interrupt flag
}
}
}
4. Blocking Operations in run()
Problem: Blocking operations (like I/O or Thread.sleep()) in the run() method may cause the thread to hang, leading to performance degradation or deadlocks. This is especially problematic in multithreaded applications.
Solution: Avoid long or blocking operations in the run() method. If necessary, use techniques like non-blocking I/O, or perform blocking tasks asynchronously in separate threads or with proper synchronization.
For example:
@Override
public void run() {
try {
// Non-blocking code or async task
Thread.sleep(1000); // Example: Block only if absolutely necessary
} catch (InterruptedException e) {
Thread.currentThread().interrupt();
}
}
5. Concurrency Issues (Shared Resources)
Problem: When multiple threads are accessing shared resources, issues like race conditions or data inconsistency may arise. These issues can occur if the run() method accesses or modifies shared data without synchronization.
Solution: To avoid concurrency problems, use proper synchronization mechanisms like synchronized blocks, locks (e.g., ReentrantLock), or concurrent collections.
For example:
public class MyRunnable implements Runnable {
private static int counter = 0;
@Override
public void run() {
synchronized (MyRunnable.class) {
counter++; // Ensure thread-safe access to shared resource
}
}
}
6. Not Using ExecutorService for Thread Pooling
Problem: Instead of creating and managing threads manually using the Thread class, developers often end up creating too many threads, which leads to resource exhaustion or inefficiency. Directly using Thread might not be the most efficient way to manage large numbers of concurrent tasks.
Solution: Use an ExecutorService to manage thread pools and avoid manual thread management. This improves scalability and efficiency.
For example:
ExecutorService executor = Executors.newFixedThreadPool(10);
executor.submit(new MyRunnable());
executor.shutdown();
7. Handling Exceptions in the run() Method
Problem: Exceptions thrown within the run() method may not be handled properly, potentially causing the thread to terminate unexpectedly. Since the run() method is executed asynchronously, uncaught exceptions in it will terminate the thread without propagating the exception back to the caller.
Solution: Catch exceptions inside the run() method or use a global exception handler (such as Thread.setDefaultUncaughtExceptionHandler()).
For example:
public class MyRunnable implements Runnable {
@Override
public void run() {
try {
// Task that may throw an exception
} catch (Exception e) {
System.err.println("Error occurred: " + e.getMessage());
}
}
}
8. Thread Safety with Shared State
Problem: If the run() method modifies shared resources without ensuring thread safety, this could lead to issues such as data corruption or inconsistency.
Solution: Implement proper synchronization or use thread-safe classes like AtomicInteger, CopyOnWriteArrayList, or ConcurrentHashMap when dealing with shared state in multithreaded environments.
9. Overriding run() but Not Using Runnable Correctly
Problem: Some developers mistakenly override the run() method in a subclass of Thread, which defeats the purpose of using the Runnable interface and can lead to confusion.
Solution: If you're implementing Runnable, make sure you're using it as intended by passing it to a Thread object and calling start(), not by subclassing Thread.
For example:
public class MyRunnable implements Runnable {
@Override
public void run() {
// Task to be executed
}
}
Thread thread = new Thread(new MyRunnable());
thread.start(); // Correct usage of Runnable
When implementing the runnable interface, developers should follow best practices to ensure thread safety, avoid blocking operations in the run() method, and handle exceptions correctly. Developers can build efficient and robust multithreaded applications by adhering to these guidelines.
Also Read: Serializable Interface in Java with Example
Ready to dive deeper into software development? Explore upGrad’s free courses to get a solid foundation in programming and start learning today. Start Learning Now!
Before exploring the runnable interface, it's essential to understand multithreading and its importance in Java. With this foundation, you can see how the runnable interface helps manage threads and tasks in Java.
At its core, multithreading is about enabling your program to perform several tasks concurrently. The runnable interface plays a key role in this by allowing you to define tasks that a thread can execute. This section breaks down the concept of multithreading, explains the runnable interface, and shows how to create and run threads with it.
Multithreading is a programming concept where multiple threads (smaller units of a process) run concurrently, enabling your application to perform several tasks at the same time. This is useful for tasks like downloading files while processing data or handling multiple user requests in a server.
Also Read: Multithreading in Python [With Coding Examples]
The runnable interface in Java is designed to represent tasks that have to be executed by a thread. It is a functional interface, meaning it contains only one abstract method—run()—which must be implemented to define the task.
Creating a thread using the runnable interface is straightforward. The key steps involve implementing the runnable interface, defining the task in the run() method, and then passing the runnable object to a Thread instance for execution. This allows for better separation of concerns, as the task logic (in the run() method) is separate from thread management.
Here’s a simple breakdown of the steps:
1. Implement the Runnable Interface
Create a class for implementing the runnable interface in Java and overrides the run() method to define tasks that the thread will execute.
class MyTask implements Runnable {
@Override
public void run() {
System.out.println("Task is running");
}
}
2. Create a Thread
Instantiate a thread object and pass an instance of the runnable class to it.
MyTask task = new MyTask();
Thread thread = new Thread(task);
3. Start the Thread
Call the start() method on the Thread object to begin the execution of the run() method.
thread.start();
By following these steps, the task defined in the run() method will be executed concurrently by the newly created thread.
In the next sections, you will explore more advanced concepts like thread synchronization and managing multiple threads, but understanding the basics of the runnable interface is the foundation for working with threads in Java.
Also Read: Multithreading in C#: Benefits, Basics & Best Practices
Now that you’ve covered the basics of using the runnable interface, let’s dive deeper into its practical application.
At the intermediate level, it’s essential to build on the basics of multithreading by exploring more complex concepts like thread synchronization and error handling. These concepts help ensure that your application can efficiently manage multiple threads and avoid common pitfalls like race conditions.
This section will also cover practical techniques for managing threads and ensuring thread safety in Java.
As you move beyond basic thread creation, you’ll need to manage multiple threads in a more structured way. The runnable interface is an essential tool for this. It allows you to define tasks that can be executed concurrently, which is especially useful in applications where multiple operations need to happen in parallel.
Example:
public class MyTask implements Runnable {
@Override
public void run() {
System.out.println("Task is running: " + Thread.currentThread().getName());
}
}
public class Main {
public static void main(String[] args) {
Runnable task = new MyTask();
Thread thread1 = new Thread(task);
Thread thread2 = new Thread(task);
thread1.start();
thread2.start();
}
}
In this example, two threads are created to run the same task concurrently.
In multithreading, synchronization is crucial to ensure that shared resources are accessed safely. Without it, threads might interfere with each other, causing unpredictable behavior such as race conditions.
Example:
public class Counter {
private int count = 0;
// Synchronized method to prevent race conditions
public synchronized void increment() {
count++;
}
public int getCount() {
return count;
}
}
Thread Safety: Using synchronized ensures that only one thread can increment the count at a time, preventing inconsistent results in multi-threaded environments.
Also Read: Ultimate Guide to Synchronization in Java
Even experienced developers can run into issues when working with threads. Below are common errors that occur with runnable implementations and tips for solving them.
Example:
public class MyTask implements Runnable {
private static int count = 0;
@Override
public void run() {
synchronized (MyTask.class) {
count++;
System.out.println("Count: " + count + " by " + Thread.currentThread().getName());
}
}
}
public class Main {
public static void main(String[] args) throws InterruptedException {
Runnable task = new MyTask();
Thread thread1 = new Thread(task);
Thread thread2 = new Thread(task);
thread1.start();
thread2.start();
thread1.join();
thread2.join();
}
}
In this example, you properly synchronize access to the static count variable, preventing race conditions. Using join() ensures that the main thread waits for the other threads to finish before proceeding.
By understanding these intermediate-level concepts and troubleshooting techniques, developers can create more robust and efficient multithreaded applications.
Also Read: 22 Best Java Project Ideas & Topics For Beginners With Source Code
To effectively optimize the performance and scalability of your multithreaded applications, it's important to delve into more sophisticated thread management and synchronization techniques.
At the advanced level, the focus shifts to optimizing the performance of multithreaded applications and tackling complex concurrency challenges. This section explores advanced techniques for thread management, synchronization, and performance optimization. It focuses on real-world scenarios and code examples that highlight how to make your applications more efficient and scalable.
In complex applications, managing threads effectively becomes crucial to ensure scalability and efficiency. At this level, developers move beyond simple thread creation and focus on techniques like thread pooling and using the ExecutorService framework to handle large numbers of tasks concurrently.
Example:
ExecutorService executor = Executors.newFixedThreadPool(10);
Runnable task = () -> System.out.println("Executing task: " +Thread.currentThread().getName());
for (int i = 0; i < 50; i++) {
executor.submit(task); // Submit tasks to the pool
}
executor.shutdown();
When multiple threads share resources, synchronization becomes crucial to prevent race conditions. In advanced applications, more sophisticated synchronization techniques can be used to handle complex concurrency scenarios.
Example:
ReentrantLock lock = new ReentrantLock();
public void safeMethod() {
lock.lock();
try {
// Critical section code
} finally {
lock.unlock();
}
}
Performance optimization in multithreaded applications is critical for scalability and responsiveness. Several advanced strategies can be used to reduce thread contention and maximize efficiency.
Example:
ForkJoinPool forkJoinPool = new ForkJoinPool();
RecursiveTask<Integer> task = new RecursiveTask<>() {
@Override
protected Integer compute() {
// Task logic, dividing the work and invoking sub-tasks
}
};
forkJoinPool.submit(task);
These advanced techniques can enhance the performance and scalability of your multithreaded applications. They will be able to handle complex and high-volume workloads efficiently.
To stay competitive in the fast-paced tech industry, developers need to hone specific skills continuously. As multithreading and concurrency become increasingly essential in modern software development, understanding these concepts is more important than ever.
upGrad’s Exclusive Software Development Webinar for you –
SAAS Business – What is So Different?
As technology continues to advance, the demand for developers who are proficient in multithreading, concurrency, and Java programming is growing rapidly. These skills are critical not only for writing efficient applications but also for ensuring that software can scale effectively in today’s fast-paced, resource-constrained environments.
In this section, you will highlight the essential skills that every Java developer should master to stay competitive in the job market.
For Java developers, a strong foundation in core programming principles is essential. However, expertise in multithreading and concurrency is particularly in demand due to the increasing complexity of software systems and the need for high-performance applications.
Also Read: OOPS Concept in Java Explained for Beginners
As software becomes more complex, concurrency has become a vital aspect of performance optimization. By leveraging multithreading, developers can ensure that their applications are responsive, even when handling numerous tasks at once.
Also Read: Software Developer vs Software Engineer: Key Differences, Applications and More
To tackle complex software projects, Java developers need to master advanced skills, particularly when it comes to multithreading and concurrency. These skills are critical when working with the runnable interface and other advanced Java features.
By developing these advanced skills, Java developers can build robust, scalable, and high-performing applications that meet the demands of a successful career in Java.
Also Read: Top 8 Reasons Why Java Is So Popular and Widely Used in 2025
To advance your Java programming and multithreading skills, seek resources that combine theory and practical experience. upGrad offers courses that can deepen your understanding of software development, focusing on multithreading and concurrency.
To thrive in the tech industry, continuous learning is essential. UpGrad provides access to a premier online learning platform, trusted by over 10 million learners worldwide. With over 200 industry-relevant courses and connections to more than 1,400 hiring partners, upGrad offers the resources you need to land your dream job.
Whether you’re aiming to enhance your coding abilities or specialize in advanced fields, upGrad offers a wide range of programming courses that align with your career aspirations. For aspiring tech professionals in India, these courses provide the perfect foundation for success.
Here’s a list of courses offered by upGrad that will help you in your development journey:
Course Title |
Description |
Java Object-oriented Programming | Master the fundamentals of Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) in Java with this free course, and learn key concepts like classes, inheritance, and polymorphism. |
JavaScript Basics from Scratch | This free course offers a comprehensive introduction to fundamental programming concepts and web development skills using JavaScript. |
Master of Design in User Experience | Earn a Master’s in User Experience Design from Jindal School of Art and Architecture, and gain expertise in creating intuitive, user-centered designs for digital products. |
Best Full Stack Developer Bootcamp 2024 | A program designed to equip learners with essential skills in both front-end and back-end development, preparing them for successful careers in software engineering. |
Python Programming Free courses | Basic Python Free Course | This free course offers 12 hours of learning to develop problem-solving skills through coding exercises on lists, strings, and data structures like tuples, sets, and dictionaries. |
The Runnable interface in Java is a fundamental concept for implementing multithreading efficiently. By understanding what is Runnable interface in Java and how to define and execute threads using this interface, developers can create concurrent applications with better performance and responsiveness. Whether you are working with simple tasks or complex multi-threaded operations, mastering the Runnable interface in Java helps in writing clean, maintainable, and efficient Java programs.
Need assistance in selecting the right path for your career? UpGrad offers free personalized career counseling sessions with expert advisors. They can help you clarify your goals, align your skills with the right opportunities, and develop a strategic roadmap for long-term success!
Boost your career with our popular Software Engineering courses, offering hands-on training and expert guidance to turn you into a skilled software developer.
Master in-demand Software Development skills like coding, system design, DevOps, and agile methodologies to excel in today’s competitive tech industry.
Stay informed with our widely-read Software Development articles, covering everything from coding techniques to the latest advancements in software engineering.
Get Free Consultation
By submitting, I accept the T&C and
Privacy Policy
India’s #1 Tech University
Executive PG Certification in AI-Powered Full Stack Development
77%
seats filled
Top Resources