17.4 - Event Handling Models
Enroll to start learning
You’ve not yet enrolled in this course. Please enroll for free to listen to audio lessons, classroom podcasts and take practice test.
Interactive Audio Lesson
Listen to a student-teacher conversation explaining the topic in a relatable way.
Polling Model
🔒 Unlock Audio Lesson
Sign up and enroll to listen to this audio lesson
Today, let's begin by discussing the Polling Model. This model continuously checks for events in the system. Can someone tell me what you think happens when programs use polling?
I think it might use a lot of resources since it's always checking, right?
Exactly! It can be quite inefficient because it consumes CPU cycles, even when there are no events to process. That's why it's often considered outdated for modern applications.
So, is polling totally useless then?
Not entirely! It's simple to implement and can work well for basic applications. However, for applications requiring efficiency, we'll want to explore other models, such as the Interrupt/Callback Model.
What does that model do differently?
Great question! The key difference is that instead of constantly checking for events, the program waits for an event to occur and then triggers an action based on that event. You can think of it like raising your hand instead of shouting to be heard!
That sounds more efficient! I like the idea of it waiting for something to happen.
Yes, and remember that this model is very common in modern applications! It enhances responsiveness. Let's summarize: Polling checks repeatedly and is inefficient, while the Interrupt/Callback Model waits for events and is more efficient.
Interrupt/Callback Model
🔒 Unlock Audio Lesson
Sign up and enroll to listen to this audio lesson
Now, let's delve deeper into the Interrupt/Callback Model. Can someone define what a callback is?
Isn't it a function that gets called back when something happens?
Exactly right! Callbacks are functions passed as arguments, which get executed when an event occurs. This model is widely used in modern programming languages, especially JavaScript.
So, how does asynchronous processing fit into this?
Good observation! Asynchronous processing allows other code to run while waiting for a response—no blocking! Would anyone like to suggest an example of where we might see this?
Maybe in web applications when you click a button and something loads without refreshing the page?
Exactly! That's a perfect example of event-driven programming. This method enhances user experience significantly since it keeps the interface responsive.
So, I take it we rely on this model a lot in apps?
Yes! Let’s recap our session: In the Interrupt/Callback Model, we use callbacks for asynchronous processing, allowing efficient handling of user interactions.
Delegation Event Model
🔒 Unlock Audio Lesson
Sign up and enroll to listen to this audio lesson
Finally, let’s discuss the Delegation Event Model. How is it different from the other models we've learned about?
It seems like it separates the actions of generating events and handling them.
Correct! This model enhances modularity by allowing different components to manage events separately. Can anyone think of a programming language that uses this model?
Java, because of its ActionListener interface?
Spot on! In Java, components like buttons can generate events, while listeners respond to those events. This separation helps maintain clean code and enhances maintainability.
I guess that means developers can work on event handling without messing with the component code!
Exactly! This makes it easier to debug and expand applications over time. Let’s summarize: the Delegation Event Model separates event generation from handling, improving code modularity and clarity.
Introduction & Overview
Read summaries of the section's main ideas at different levels of detail.
Quick Overview
Standard
In event-driven programming, different models manage how programs respond to events. The polling model continuously checks for events, while the interrupt/callback model uses asynchronous callbacks. Additionally, the delegation model separates event generation from handling, commonly seen in Java applications.
Detailed
Event Handling Models
Event handling models define how an event-driven program handles user interactions and system events. There are three primary models: Polling, Interrupt/Callback, and Delegation. Each of these approaches has implications for how programs function and interact with users and systems.
17.4.1 Polling Model
- This model continuously checks (polls) for events. Although simple, it is considered inefficient and outdated for most modern applications due to resource consumption and latency.
17.4.2 Interrupt/Callback Model
- This is the prevalent model in modern applications and relies on asynchronous callbacks. When an event occurs, the corresponding callback function is triggered without blocking the main program flow.
17.4.3 Delegation Event Model (Used in Java)
- In this model, event generation is separated from event handling. Different components create events, and listeners handle them through interface implementations (like ActionListener in Java). This provides a clean and modular structure for managing events.
Youtube Videos
Audio Book
Dive deep into the subject with an immersive audiobook experience.
Polling Model
Chapter 1 of 3
🔒 Unlock Audio Chapter
Sign up and enroll to access the full audio experience
Chapter Content
17.4.1 Polling Model
Continuously checks if an event has occurred — inefficient and outdated in most applications.
Detailed Explanation
The polling model is a technique used in event handling where the program repeatedly checks or 'polls' to see if any events have occurred. This means it is constantly running a check to see if something like a user action has taken place, rather than waiting for the event to happen. While this method is straightforward, it can be inefficient because it wastes resources by checking repeatedly, even when no events are present. Most modern applications have moved away from this method because there are better alternatives available.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine a child repeatedly asking their parent if it's time for dinner. The child is busy and can’t do anything else during this time, and the parent is likely to get annoyed by the constant interruptions. Instead, it would be better if the child did something else and the parent called them when dinner was ready. This is similar to how better models work, waiting for an event to occur rather than just checking constantly.
Interrupt/Callback Model
Chapter 2 of 3
🔒 Unlock Audio Chapter
Sign up and enroll to access the full audio experience
Chapter Content
17.4.2 Interrupt/Callback Model
Uses callback functions that are triggered asynchronously. This is the most common model in modern applications.
Detailed Explanation
The interrupt/callback model enhances efficiency by using callback functions, which are only executed when an event occurs. In this model, the program can continue executing other code and only reacts when an event happens, like a user clicking a button. Instead of a constant check, the program can be 'interrupted' or notified when something significant happens, making it a preferred choice for modern applications due to better resource management.
Examples & Analogies
Consider a waiter in a restaurant who is busy serving other customers. Instead of hovering over a table to see if someone needs something, the customers can ring a bell when they want attention. This way, the waiter can serve other tables without wasting time and effort. The callback functions serve the same purpose by only triggering a response when necessary.
Delegation Event Model
Chapter 3 of 3
🔒 Unlock Audio Chapter
Sign up and enroll to access the full audio experience
Chapter Content
17.4.3 Delegation Event Model (Used in Java)
• Separates event generation from event handling.
• Components generate events, and listeners handle them via interfaces like ActionListener, KeyListener, etc.
Detailed Explanation
The delegation event model differentiates the components that generate events from the ones that handle them. For instance, a button generates a 'click' event, which is then handled by a listener, such as an ActionListener. This approach promotes a cleaner, more organized structure by separating concerns; it allows for better management of events since different components can work independently before invoking the specific responses needed. By utilizing defined interfaces, developers can easily plug in different behaviors without altering the component that generates the events.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine a concert where you have different bands performing. Each band is responsible for their performance (event generation), but the concert organizers manage everything like ticket sales, seating, and schedules (event handling). This separation allows one band to perform without interfering with others, and it keeps the concert running smoothly, much like how the delegation model keeps event handling organized and efficient in programming.
Key Concepts
-
Polling Model: A method that continuously checks for events, which can lead to inefficiency.
-
Interrupt/Callback Model: An asynchronous method that leverages callbacks to manage events effectively.
-
Delegation Event Model: A design pattern that separates event generation from event handling, enhancing modularity.
Examples & Applications
In a GUI application, when clicking a button, the event may be handled by a specific function set up to respond to that click using the Callback Model.
In Java, the use of ActionListener allows a button to trigger a particular action when clicked, demonstrating the Delegation Event Model.
Memory Aids
Interactive tools to help you remember key concepts
Rhymes
Polling's like a constant beep, watches for events, never sleeps.
Stories
Imagine a guard (Polling) who never takes a break and keeps checking the gate for visitors, while a manager (Callback) waits for specific visitors to come and handles them when they arrive.
Memory Tools
For Polling, Interrupt/Callback, and Delegation: 'PID' for your memory.
Acronyms
Remember the acronym 'PIC' to recall Polling, Interrupt/Callback, and Delegation.
Flash Cards
Glossary
- Polling Model
A model that continuously checks for events, often considered inefficient in modern programming.
- Interrupt/Callback Model
A model that uses asynchronous calls; when an event occurs, a specified callback function is executed.
- Delegation Event Model
A model that separates event generation from handling, allowing for more modular and maintainable code.
Reference links
Supplementary resources to enhance your learning experience.