busy-wait
verbUK /ˈbɪzi weɪt/
US /ˈbɪzi weɪt/
To keep checking again and again if something is ready instead of resting.
The program will busy-wait until the download finishes.
SYNONYMS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A waiting method where a computer repeatedly checks a condition without sleeping.
Busy-waiting wastes CPU cycles while the disk is slow.
3. To stay alert and repeatedly test for a change in state.
The driver busy-waits for the traffic light to turn green.
4. A loop that consumes processor time while waiting for an event.
Replace the busy-wait with a blocking call to save power.