array of threads c#

Question

i have this code:

    Thread[] threadsArray = new Thread[4];
        for (int i = 0; i < 4; i++)
        {
            threadsArray[i] = new Thread(() => c1.k(i));
        }
        for (int i = 0; i < 4; i++)
        {
            threadsArray[i].Start();
        }
        for (int i = 0; i < 4; i++)
        {
            threadsArray[i].Join();
        }

the function k is this:

void k(int i)
{
    while(true)
      Console.WriteLine(i);
}

for some reason just the last thread is running and printing 4444444.... why aren't all the threads running?

Answer 1

All of the threads are printing the same variable.

Your lambda expression (() => c1.k(i)) captures the i variable by reference.
Therefore, when the lambda expression runs after i++, it picks up the new value of i.

To fix this, you need to declare a separate variable inside the loop so that each lambda gets its own variable, like this:

    for (int i = 0; i < 4; i++)
    {
        int localNum = i;
        threadsArray[i] = new Thread(() => c1.k(localNum));
    }

Answer 2

You are closing over the i variable.

Try this instead

for (int i = 0; i < 4; i++)
{
    int x = i;
    threadsArray[i] = new Thread(() => c1.k(x));
}

Answer 3

What output are you getting? The join in the third loop will ensure each thread is completed before the next one kicks in.

Also it can be an infinite loop. While(true) ....?