Multithreading in Kotlin: Understanding the Basics
Kotlin has revolutionized the way we approach multithreading in Android development. With the introduction of coroutines, developers can now write cleaner and more efficient multithreading code. In this article, we’ll explore three essential functions in multithreading programming: wait(), sleep(), and delay().
The Complexity of Multithreading
Multithreading is a complex topic that has driven away even experienced programmers. The juggling of different threads, handlers, and runners can be overwhelming, not to mention the memory leaks. However, with Kotlin’s coroutines, multithreading has become more accessible and manageable.
Wait, Sleep, and Delay: What’s the Difference?
Let’s dive into the three functions that are commonly used in multithreading programming:
Wait
wait() is a low-level function that belongs to the Java programming language. It’s used to instruct the running thread to wait indefinitely until another thread calls notify() or notifyAll() on the same object. This function is useful when we want a thread to wait at a specific point in the code.
Sleep
sleep() is a function that temporarily ceases the execution of a thread for a specified amount of time. There are two types of sleep functions available in Kotlin: Thread.sleep() and TimeUnit.sleep(). Both functions perform the same task, but TimeUnit.sleep() is safer to use as it verifies that the unit received is positive.
Delay
delay() is a function that belongs to the Kotlin programming language. It delays the execution of a coroutine for a specified amount of time without blocking a thread. This function is cancellable, meaning we can ask the coroutine to continue execution at any point in time.
Comparing Sleep, Wait, and Delay
Now that we’ve explored each function, let’s analyze their differences and similarities:
sleep()anddelay()both halt the execution of a thread or coroutine for a specified amount of time.wait()uses an object as a locking mechanism, where the calling thread doesn’t continue execution until it’s given the signal to do so.delay()is the only function that belongs to the Kotlin programming language and is specifically designed for coroutines.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the basics of multithreading in Kotlin is crucial for any Android developer. By mastering the wait(), sleep(), and delay() functions, developers can write more efficient and effective multithreading code. Whether you’re working with threads or coroutines, these functions will help you control the flow and order of execution in your app.