> 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/learn-gpc/init-and-main.md).

# init and main

`init` runs once. `main` runs continuously. Both operate on the same globals.

Zen Studio Live accepts multiple `init` and multiple `main` sections. The compiler merges each set into a single initialization phase and a single repeating main phase. This is useful for generated or combined source, although one `init` and one `main` are easier to read in hand-written scripts.

Use `init` for:

* loading persistent values;
* platform selection;
* one-time cache initialization;
* setting initial state.

Use `main` for:

* reading current input;
* detecting events;
* advancing state machines;
* calculating the current output report;
* drawing only when a dirty flag says the display changed.


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