Event Loops

Scarpe’s event loop system is a core part of its architecture, handling both UI events and application logic.

Main Event Loop

The main event loop is responsible for:

1. Processing user input
2. Handling timer events
3. Managing display updates
4. Coordinating between components

Implementation Details

The event loop is implemented with these key features:

Event Queue

• Events are queued in order of arrival
• Priority system for critical events
• Efficient processing of batched events

Handler Registration

class EventLoop
  def register_handler(event_type, &block)
    handlers[event_type] << block
  end
end

Event Processing

• Events are processed in a single thread
• Non-blocking operations where possible
• Careful handling of long-running tasks

Cooperative Multitasking

Scarpe uses cooperative multitasking where:

1. Tasks yield control voluntarily
2. Long operations are broken into smaller chunks
3. The event loop maintains responsiveness

Best Practices

When working with the event loop:

1. Keep handlers fast and focused
2. Avoid blocking operations
3. Use async operations for long-running tasks
4. Handle errors appropriately

Integration with Display Service

The event loop coordinates closely with the display service:

• Synchronizes state updates
• Manages display refresh timing
• Handles animation frames
• Coordinates user input