Spin-Wait Hints

With concurrency, we need to ensure that threads waiting to be executed actually get executed. The concept of spin-wait is a process that continually checks for a true condition. The aim of Java Enhancement Proposal 285 was to create an API that permits Java code to issue hints that a spin loop is currently being executed.

While this is not a feature that every Java developer will use, it can be useful for low-level programming. The hint system simply issues hints--indications, and performs no other actions. Justifications for adding these hints include the following assumptions:

  • A spin loop's action time can be improved when using a spin hint
  • Use of spin hints will reduce thread-to-thread latency
  • CPU power consumption will ...

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