tight loop

programming A loop of code that executes without releasing

any resources to other programs or the operating system.

Consider the following pointless BASIC loop that counts

upward indefinitely

10 i = i + 1

20 GOTO 10

Run on a single-user system such as MS-DOS this will not

cause any problems. Run on a cooperative multitasking

operating system such as Windows 3, the system would appear

to freeze.

A pre-emptive multitasking operating system such as

UNIX or Windows NT would "steal" cycles away from

the program and continue to run other programs.

See also busy-wait and multitasking.

(1999-05-06)