When to use handler.post() & when to new Thread()

Question

I'm wondering when should I use handler.post(runnable); and when should I use new Thread(runnable).start();

It is mentioned in developers documentation for Handler:

Causes the Runnable r to be added to the message queue. The runnable will be run on the thread to which this handler is attached.

Does this mean if I write in the onCreate() of Activity class:

Handler handler = new Handler();
handler.post(runnable);

then runnable will be called in a separate thread or in the Activity's thread?

Quadruplet

Never use new Thread(runnable).start(), you can run out of VM Stack Memory Size. You want to use Executors and store a reference to that (don't create a new executor per each call that would go to a background thread) – Wellman

Answer 1

You should use Handler.post() whenever you want to do operations on the UI thread.

So let's say you want to change a TextView's text in the callback. Because the callback is not running on the UI thread, you should use Handler.post().

In Android, as in many other UI frameworks, UI elements (widgets) can be only modified from UI thread.

Also note that the terms "UI thread" and "main thread" are often used interchangeably.

---

Edit: an example of the long-running task:

mHandler = new Handler();

new Thread(new Runnable() {
  @Override
  public void run () {
    // Perform long-running task here
    // (like audio buffering).
    // You may want to update a progress
    // bar every second, so use a handler:
    mHandler.post(new Runnable() {
     @Override
     public void run () {
       // make operation on the UI - for example
       // on a progress bar.
     }
    });
  }
}).start();

Of course, if the task you want to perform is really long and there is a risk that user might switch to some another app in the meantime, you should consider using a Service.

Boeotia

But if say I want to buffer an audio stream from internet. Should I do it via handler.post or by new Thread? – Quadruplet

Really depends on your requirements. I would consider either a new thread or a Service. I'll update the answer with example in a sec. – Boeotia

"The explanation is wrong on many levels. – T.Dimitrov" ? Really? Absolutely unsubstantiated and useless comment. Where is your proves? – Accumulate

@T.Dimitrov you might want to be more explicit about what exactly is wrong with the explanation here, otherwise no one else will know what you mean. – Wellman

Answer 2

To answer you specific question:

Does this mean if in the onCreate of Activity class I write:

Handler handler = new Handler() hanlder.post(runnable); then, runnable will be called in a separate thread or on the Activity's thread?

No it won't be. The Runnable will be called on the Main Thread itself. Handler is simply used for posting a message to the thread to which it is attached (where its is created). It does not create a thread on its own. In your example, you created a Handler in the main Thread (that where Activity.OnCreate() is called) and hence any message posted on such a Handler will be run on the Main Thread only.

Lanielanier

Right answers are not always the selected as best. Thanks – Hubing

You just changed completely the perfs of my app!! Moving from handler to thread just made my app flying! So big thanks man!! – Derinna

Answer 3

Example is jacked:

mHandler = new Handler();
new Thread(new Runnable(){
  @Override
  public void run () {
    mHandler.post(new Runnable() {
     @Override
     public void run () {
       mUiView.setX(x);
     }
    });
  }
}).start();

Alternatively you can skip the handler and use the post method on the view directly:

new Thread(new Runnable(){
  @Override
  public void run () {
    mUiView.post(new Runnable() {
     @Override
     public void run () {
       mUiView.setX(x);
     }
    });
  }
}).start();

This is a good post that outlines the difference: What exactly does the post method do?

Localize

Answer 4

use handler.post() when you want to post the code (usually from background thread) to the main thread. Yea, POST,just like you, post a letter to someone. With the help of handler the code will be executed ASAP i.e. almost immediately.

Taneka