How to Fix Your SynchronousQueue with Multithreading in Java

Описание: Discover how to effectively utilize `SynchronousQueue` in Java multithreading by fixing common pitfalls. Learn the best practices and solutions in a pancake factory simulation setup!
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This video is based on the question https://stackoverflow.com/q/70557781/ asked by the user 'forvev' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/17602095/ ) and on the answer https://stackoverflow.com/a/70558082/ provided by the user 'Teg' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/1216702/ ) at 'Stack Overflow' website. Thanks to these great users and Stackexchange community for their contributions.

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How to Fix Your SynchronousQueue with Multithreading in Java: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating a multithreaded application can be quite challenging, especially when using synchronization mechanisms like SynchronousQueue. In this guide, we will take a closer look at a common issue faced by developers when trying to simulate a pancake factory with Java threads. If you’re struggling with threads and a SynchronousQueue, read on to understand the solution and improve your code.

The Problem

You are tasked with writing a program that simulates a factory producing pancakes, divided into three main steps:

Frying: The initial step in creating the pancake.

Greasing: The second step where the fried pancake gets greased up.

Rolling Up: The final step where the pancake is rolled into its final form.

In your implementation, you manage the process using a SynchronousQueue, but you are facing two primary issues that are preventing the program from functioning correctly:

The current approach causes a deadlock when trying to transition from frying to greasing.

The use of synchronized methods is blocking your threads unnecessarily.

The Solution

Let's break down the solution into clear sections to address the issues you're facing.

1. Remove Unnecessary synchronized and notify()

The first step towards fixing your code is to eliminate the use of synchronized and the notify() method from your Factory class.

Why This Matters

Blocking Execution: By using synchronized, you are putting a lock on the Factory class, preventing multiple threads from accessing its methods simultaneously. This will inevitably lead to a deadlock situation if one thread is waiting for another to release the lock.

Separation of Concerns: Greasing should happen within the Greasing class, rather than being forced into the Factory. This indicates a need to manage responsibilities clearly in your object-oriented design.

2. Distinguish Between Queues for Each Step

The second issue at hand is that you have only one queue for all operations which leads to confusion when transitioning between tasks:

Implement Separate Queues

You need to create distinct queues for each 'consumer' in your process. This change will help maintain the flow of operations without mixing the states of frying, greasing, and rolling up.

Frying Queue: This queue will be managed by the Factory, and it will specifically hand off the fried pancakes to the greasing step.

Greasing Queue: The Greasing class will consume from the frying queue and manage its own output to the rolling up queue.

Rolling Up Queue: Finally, the RollingUp class will take pancakes from the greasing queue for the final touch.

Example Correction

Here's a cleaner way to structure your classes without blocking issues:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Conclusion

By removing unnecessary synchronization, clearly defining the roles of each class, and ensuring separate queues for each step, you can create a more functional pancake factory simulation. These adjustments will help your threads work harmoniously, avoiding the pitfalls of deadlocks and other concurrency issues.

Next time you find yourself wrestling with SynchronousQueue, remember these essential principles for better multithreading practices in Java!

Feel free to share your thoughts or questions in the comments below, and happy coding!