What is the name of the thread responsible for updating the screen in an Android app?

In Android applications, the thread responsible for updating the screen and handling user interface (UI) interactions is known as the Main thread, also referred to as the UI thread. This thread is crucial because it ensures that the user interface remains responsive to user actions, such as button clicks and screen gestures.

When performing actions that update the UI, such as changing the text of a TextView or displaying a new activity, these operations must occur on the Main thread. If long-running operations, such as network calls or database queries, are executed on the Main thread, it can lead to the application becoming unresponsive, often resulting in an "Application not responding" (ANR) error.

The Main thread is automatically created by the Android system when an app launches and manages all the UI-related tasks. This is why using the Main thread is essential for ensuring that the app's user interface updates smoothly and efficiently. Other threads, such as background or worker threads, are typically utilized for heavy processing tasks that shouldn't block the Main thread, allowing for better performance and a more fluid user experience.