non-blocking operation

noun

UK /nɒn ˈblɒkɪŋ ˌɒpəˈreɪʃən/

US /nɑːn ˈblɑːkɪŋ ˌɑːpəˈreɪʃən/

A task that lets the computer keep doing other things while it waits.

Downloading a file is a non-blocking operation, so you can still play a game while it finishes.

SYNONYMS

asynchronous task non-waiting task background task concurrent operation

RELATED WORDS

thread callback async event loop concurrency

OTHER MEANINGS

2. A process that does not make other processes wait for it to finish.

The server handles each request as a non-blocking operation so it can serve many users at once.

3. A way of doing something that does not stop you from doing other things.

Sending a text message is a non-blocking operation because you can keep walking while it sends.

4. A computing action that returns right away instead of waiting for the result.

Reading from the network socket is a non-blocking operation that returns immediately with whatever data is ready.