How do virtual threads differ from regular (platform threads) and why are they preferable in some tasks?

Virtual threads in Java are lightweight threads implemented at the JVM level, which are not directly tied to system threads (platform threads). They allow creating a large number of parallel tasks with minimal resource costs.

Differences from regular threads:

• Lightweight: Virtual threads do not require allocating a separate system thread, reducing overhead for creation and context switching.
• Scalability: You can create tens of thousands of virtual threads without significant performance degradation.
• Simplification of asynchronous code: They enable writing code in a synchronous style but with high concurrency.

Why prefer them:

• In tasks with many blocking operations (e.g., input-output), virtual threads efficiently utilize resources without creating a huge number of system threads.
• They improve code readability and maintainability by eliminating the need to write complex asynchronous code with callbacks or reactive streams.

Example of creating a virtual thread in Java 19+:

Thread.startVirtualThread(() -> {
    System.out.println("Executing in a virtual thread");
});