A message loop is a communication process used by computer applications to perform functions. Messages are sent and received to open windows or execute commands. A message queue is needed for some functions, and messages are logged with positive or negative values. The loop is considered complete when all command messages have been processed, and errors are processed as negative values.
A message loop is a code of communication parameters that computer applications use to perform functions. Messages are sent to allow the application to perform actions such as opening a new window or sending a word processing document to the printer. The user of the software application also receives messages when the program requires a response or action to continue. When a related set of messages is sent and received to perform a function, it is considered a message loop.
Some computer applications require a message queue for some of their functions. The queue documents an ongoing dialogue of requests initiated by the application user and the software program. A message loop is needed when an application needs to open more than one window. Messages from the queue are passed by the message loop to the window that needs the commands to execute its request correctly.
The communication process can be thought of as a circle. A command is sent to receive a message. The other end then issues a command to send the requested message. Since two-way communication and responses travel back and forth, it creates a looping dialogue.
A computer application performs this type of communication process in the background. It is not visibly evident from the graphical interface of the application. Experienced users with intermediate to advanced technical knowledge can enter commands to display the message queue dialog box as it is in progress. They may also be able to enter manual commands if they need to fix a problem.
Messages are logged with a positive or negative value once they enter the queue. As part of the message loop process, command messages also need to be translated. The program tries to work out what the command means and how it should be handled. A send message command then routes the message accordingly.
The send message command is a sign that the cycle has completed. At this point the message queue has processed all the command messages needed to perform a particular function in the software application. The loop is considered to have returned to the beginning of its loop and is waiting for the next string of commands.
Errors in a message loop are processed as negative values. The software program can send a request to the user asking him to respond or do something to fix the error. This may result in exiting the software program.
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