Java Threads, 3rd Edition

Appendix A. Superseded Threading Utilities

Readers of previous editions of this book will have noticed that many of the classes we developed for those editions have been replaced. The reason has to do with the many new classes provided by J2SE 5.0. Prior to J2SE 5.0, developers were left to create or purchase a library that provided the high-level threading support needed by more complex programs. While these libraries can still be used, it is recommended that programs migrate to the core J2SE 5.0 classes since that leaves one less library to maintain, test, and download during execution.

While the examples in the previous edition of this book are now obsolete, there are a few advantages to including them in this appendix (and in the online source). The examples were designed to teach the subject of threading. They were designed to be simplistic, not loaded with features, and specifically target a particular subject. Most of those subjects are now discussed in relation to the new classes in J2SE 5.0, and the rest of them are no longer necessary since we are no longer maintaining our own library. Still, for research purposes, there is advantage in examining them.

As this book goes to press, J2SE 5.0 is only a beta release, so many developers cannot yet use the new classes in J2SE 5.0. Those developers will also find these classes useful.

So for those who may be interested, here is a quick review of our obsolete classes. Obviously, learning the examples in this appendix is optional. ...