What is the Event Loop?
The event loop is a continuous process that enables JavaScript to execute code, handle events, and manage asynchronous tasks. Unlike synchronous languages, JavaScript is single-threaded, meaning it can only execute one operation at a time. The event loop ensures that asynchronous operations, such as fetching data or handling user input, can be managed without blocking the main thread.
Phases of the Event Loop
The event loop consists of multiple phases, each playing a specific role in handling different types of tasks. Understanding these phases is crucial for grasping how JavaScript manages its execution flow.
- Call Stack:
- The call stack is where synchronous code is executed.
- Functions are pushed onto the stack and popped off when they complete.
- Callback Queue:
- Asynchronous operations, such as API calls or user interactions, are processed in the callback queue.
- Callbacks from these operations are queued up to be executed once the call stack is empty.
- Event Loop:
- The event loop constantly checks if the call stack is empty.
- If the stack is empty, it moves callbacks from the queue to the stack for execution.
- Microtask Queue:
- Microtasks are high-priority tasks that are executed before the next event loop cycle.
- Promises and certain APIs schedule tasks in the microtask queue.
How the Event Loop Handles Asynchronous Operations
Let’s take a look at how the event loop manages asynchronous tasks:
- setTimeout:
- setTimeout allows you to schedule a function to run after a specified delay.
- The specified function is added to the callback queue after the delay.
- Promises:
- Promises are a powerful tool for handling asynchronous operations.
- They use the microtask queue, ensuring their callbacks are executed before the next event loop cycle.
- Async/Await:
- Async/Await, built on top of Promises, provides a more readable way to work with asynchronous code.
- Under the hood, it still relies on the event loop and the microtask queue.