Java Runnable vs Thread: Key Differences and Best Practices

🚀 Java Interview Series – Day 10 Difference between Runnable and Thread in Java? Both are used to create threads, but they follow different approaches. 🔹 Thread (Class) • You extend the Thread class • Overrides the run() method • Limits you from extending any other class (Java supports single inheritance) 🔹 Runnable (Interface) • You implement the Runnable interface • Define logic inside run() • Can still extend another class → more flexible design Why does this matter? ✔ Promotes better design (composition over inheritance) ✔ Enables code reusability ✔ Works seamlessly with modern concurrency APIs 💡 Example: With Runnable, you can pass tasks to: ExecutorService Thread pools This is the preferred way in real-world applications. ⚡ Key Insight: Using Runnable decouples the task from the thread itself, making your code more scalable and maintainable. 💬 Interview Tip: Always mention: Runnable = interface (preferred) Thread = class (less flexible) And why ExecutorService is used in modern systems In real-world backend systems, you rarely create threads manually. Instead, you define tasks (Runnable) and let frameworks manage execution. That’s how scalable systems are built. #Java #JavaDeveloper #Multithreading #Runnable #Thread #Concurrency #BackendDevelopment #SoftwareEngineering #TechInterview #CodingInterview #SystemDesign #Developers #LearningInPublic #CareerGrowth #IndiaJobs #USJobs #UKJobs #AustraliaJobs

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