C# Thread Class

The Thread class in C# is part of the System.Threading namespace and provides the fundamental way to create and control threads. A thread represents a path of execution within a process, and using the Thread class you can start, pause, resume, or terminate tasks running concurrently with the main program.

• Defined in the System.Threading namespace.
• Represents a single thread of execution.
• Can be created using a delegate (method reference or lambda expression).
• Supports foreground and background modes.
• Provides properties like Name, IsAlive, Priority, and methods like Start(), Sleep(), Abort(), Join().

Creating and Starting a Thread

Output:

Worker Thread: 1

Main Thread: 1

Worker Thread: 2

Main Thread: 2

...

Explanation:

• The main thread and worker thread run concurrently.
• Thread.Sleep(500) pauses execution for half a second, simulating work.

Syntax of C# Thread Class:

Thread t = new Thread(MethodName);
t.Start();

Here:

• Thread is the class.
• MethodName is the method that the thread will execute.
• The Start() method initiates the thread’s execution, moving it from the Unstarted state to the Runnable state, where it becomes eligible for CPU scheduling.

Passing Data to a Thread

The Thread class allows passing data through ParameterizedThreadStart or lambda expressions.

1. Using ParameterizedThreadStart

Output:

Message: Hello from Thread

2. Using Lambda Expressions

Constructor

The Thread class provides multiple constructors to create and initialize threads with or without parameters, and with optional stack size specification.

Example: Using ThreadStart Constructor

My Thread is in progress...!!
My Thread is in progress...!!

Properties

Example: set and get the priority of threads

The priority of Thread 1 is: Normal
The priority of Thread 2 is: Lowest
The priority of Thread 3 is: AboveNormal

Commonly Used Methods of the Thread Class in C#

Less Frequently Used / Advanced Methods

Example: Using Start, Sleep, and Join

Output:

Task1 running...

Task1 running...

Task1 running...

Main thread finished