Java Multitasking-interview
Q1. What is multitasking in Java? Explain its types.
Multitasking in Java is the ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Process-based multitasking → Executes multiple programs at the same time (e.g., running Chrome, MS Word, and Eclipse).
- Thread-based multitasking → Executes multiple threads inside a single program (e.g., a chat app sending and receiving messages simultaneously).
Q2. Differentiate between process-based multitasking and thread-based multitasking.
|
Aspect |
Process-based Multitasking |
Thread-based Multitasking |
|
Execution Unit |
Process |
Thread |
|
Memory |
Each process has its own memory |
Threads share memory of the process |
|
Cost |
Heavy (resource-intensive) |
Lightweight |
|
Communication |
Slow (inter-process) |
Fast (inter-thread) |
|
Example |
Running multiple applications |
Multiple threads in one Java program |
Q3. Why is thread-based multitasking more efficient than process-based multitasking?
- Threads share the same memory space → less memory required.
- Context switching between threads is faster than between processes.
- Communication between threads is easier and faster.
Q4. Give real-world examples of multitasking in Java applications.
- Web servers – Handling multiple client requests simultaneously.
- Multimedia players – Playing audio, video, and showing subtitles at once.
- Chat applications – Sending and receiving messages at the same time.
- Banking systems – Processing transactions while sending notifications.