java.lang.Runnable Maven / Gradle / Ivy

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This work corresponds to the API signatures of JSR 219: Foundation
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package java.lang;

/** 
 * The Runnable interface should be implemented by any
 * class whose instances are intended to be executed by a thread. The
 * class must define a method of no arguments called run.
 * 

 * This interface is designed to provide a common protocol for objects that
 * wish to execute code while they are active. For example,
 * Runnable is implemented by class Thread.
 * Being active simply means that a thread has been started and has not
 * yet been stopped.
 * 

 * In addition, Runnable provides the means for a class to be
 * active while not subclassing Thread. A class that implements
 * Runnable can run without subclassing Thread
 * by instantiating a Thread instance and passing itself in
 * as the target.  In most cases, the Runnable interface should
 * be used if you are only planning to override the run()
 * method and no other Thread methods.
 * This is important because classes should not be subclassed
 * unless the programmer intends on modifying or enhancing the fundamental
 * behavior of the class.
 *
 * @author  Arthur van Hoff
 * @version 1.21, 02/02/00
 * @see     java.lang.Thread
 * @since   JDK1.0
 */
public interface Runnable
{

    /** 
     * When an object implementing interface Runnable is used 
     * to create a thread, starting the thread causes the object's 
     * run method to be called in that separately executing 
     * thread. 
     * 
     * The general contract of the method run is that it may 
     * take any action whatsoever.
     *
     * @see     java.lang.Thread#run()
     */
    public void run();
}