> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://guide.cronuszen.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://guide.cronuszen.com/gpcscripting/gpc-script-guide/advanced-architecture/timing-without-blocking-loops.md).

# Timing without blocking loops

Use state plus elapsed button timing or a countdown advanced by the runtime cycle source available under your approved API boundary. Do not spin in a loop waiting for real time:

{% code title="timing-without-blocking.gpc" %}

```cpp
enum { TIMER_IDLE, TIMER_WAIT_RELEASE };
int timer_state;

main {
    if(timer_state == TIMER_IDLE) {
        if(event_press(PS5_CROSS)) timer_state = TIMER_WAIT_RELEASE;
    } else if(timer_state == TIMER_WAIT_RELEASE) {
        if(event_release(PS5_CROSS)) timer_state = TIMER_IDLE;
    }
}
```

{% endcode %}

For elapsed-time accumulation, add `get_rtime()` each cycle rather than assuming a fixed loop interval. This remains correct when `vm_tctrl` changes the next iteration timing.


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