Difference between run() and start() methods in Java Threads

[neha]

If you want the run() method to be executed in a separate thread, do not invoke it directly; invoke it by calling the start() method.

For Java, the run() method is just another method; so, you can execute it directly, in which case it will be executed in the calling thread and not in its own thread.

public class ThreadDemo {
  public static void main(String[] args) {
       Counter ct = new Counter();
       ct.run(); 
    //ct.start();
       System.out.println("The thread has been started");
    }
}
class Counter extends Thread {
  public void run() {
    for ( int i=1; i<=5; i++) {
     System.out.println("Count: " + i);
    }
 }
}

check the output with ct.run() and ct.start(), you will get a better picture.