Polling vs Interrupts
Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-31
CORE DEFINITION
Two ways for the CPU to handle external events: polling is the CPU asking 'anything happening?' every second (wasteful); interrupts are when an external device actively interrupts the CPU with 'I have something!' (efficient).
SCAFFOLDING EFFECT
Reduce cognitive load
Attention protection. Don't check email every 5 minutes (polling). Turn off notifications, set specific times to process, or only allow extremely urgent events to trigger 'interrupts'. Switch from polling mode to interrupt mode.
Anchor fast decisions
Compare two I/O handling methods: polling is the CPU actively querying repeatedly, while interrupts are when a device event passively interrupts the CPU. The mechanism is that interrupts respond only when an event occurs, making them generally more efficient and timely.
MINIMUM ACTION
In progress 0/2Practice this model in one real situation:
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