event-based software

noun

UK /ɪˈvent beɪst ˈsɒftweə/

US /ɪˈvent beɪst ˈsɔːftwer/

Software that waits for things to happen and then does its job.

The doorbell app is event-based software because it only rings when someone presses the button.

SYNONYMS

event-driven software event-driven program reactive software event-based system

RELATED WORDS

event handler callback trigger event loop message queue

OTHER MEANINGS

2. A program that reacts to user actions like clicks or key presses.

Games often use event-based software to respond when you press a key.

3. A system that runs code only when a specific signal or message arrives.

The alarm system is event-based software that wakes up when a sensor detects motion.

4. Software built around listening for and handling events instead of following a fixed step-by-step script.

Chat apps are event-based software because they show a message the moment it arrives.