pxt-calliope/docs/reference/basic/forever.md

# Forever

Keep running part of a program 
[in the background](/reference/control/in-background).

```sig
basic.forever(() => {
})
```

### Example: compass

The following example constantly checks the 
[compass heading](/reference/input/compass-heading) 
and updates the screen with the direction.

```blocks
basic.forever(() => {
    let heading = input.compassHeading()
    if (heading < 45) {
        basic.showString("N", 100)
    } else if (heading < 135) {
        basic.showString("E", 100)
    }
    else if (heading < 225) {
        basic.showString("S", 100)
    }
    else {
        basic.showString("W", 100)
    }
})
```

### Example: counter

The following example keeps showing the [number](/reference/types/number) stored in a global variable.
When you press button `A`, the number gets bigger.
You can use a program like this to count things with your BBC micro:bit.

```blocks
let num = 0
basic.forever(() => {
    basic.showNumber(num, 150)
})
input.onButtonPressed(Button.A, () => {
    num = num + 1
})
```

### Competing for the LED screen

If different parts of a program are each trying 
to show something on the LED screen at the same time, 
you may get unexpected results.
Try this on your micro:bit:

```blocks
basic.forever(() => {
    basic.showNumber(6789, 150)
})
input.onButtonPressed(Button.A, () => {
    basic.showNumber(2, 150)
})
```

### Lessons

[blink](/lessons/blink), [snowflake-fall](/lessons/snowflake-fall), [flashing-heart](/lessons/flashing-heart)

### See also

[while](/reference/loops/while), [on button pressed](/reference/input/on-button-pressed), [in background](/reference/control/in-background)