How do I run a Java thread at an interval and cancel it if it exceeds a time limit?

Question

I'm trying to design a system by which I can have a Thread execute at a certain interval of time (e.g. 10 seconds), and also have it cancelled at a certain time if it overruns a time limit (e.g. 5 seconds). Maybe this isn't the right way to do what i'm looking for but id like some help nonetheless.

I thought about using the ExectuorService to perform this, but will I run into problems with it?

Answer 1

ScheduledExecutorService

have a Thread execute at a certain interval of time (e.g. 10 seconds)

You can.

Use a ScheduledExecutorService to repeatedly execute a task at a specified period of time.

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Forcibly halt a thread

have it cancelled at a certain time if it overruns a time limit (e.g. 5 seconds).

You cannot.

Java provides no way to forcibly halt the execution of a thread.

Java concurrency allows only for cooperative cancellation. You can signal your intention for another thread to halt by “interrupting”. But this interrupt attempt merely sets a flag, and wakes the thread if sleeping. The task must be coded to regularly look for the interrupt flag. If flag is set, the task must be coded to then 👉 end its own execution.

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