What is the event loop in JavaScript?

Short answer: The event loop manages asynchronous operations in JavaScript. It continuously checks the call stack and callback queue — executing queued tasks once the stack is empty.

Example code

console.log("A"); setTimeout(() => console.log("B"), 0); console.log("C"); // Output: A, C, B Even though setTimeout is 0ms, it runs after the main thread finishes due to the event loop.

Real-world example (ShopNest)

The checkout button uses async/await to call /api/orders, shows a spinner, and catches network errors with a toast.

Say this in the interview

1. Define — one clear sentence (the short answer above).
2. Example — relate it to a project like ShopNest or your real work.
3. Trade-off — when you would not use it.