Abstract: A program object is provided for use in developing application programs through a program-development environment. Using the program-development environment, a developer graphically specifies a flow diagram that represents the logical operation of the application program. The program object, which may have a corresponding symbolic representation for display within the flow diagram, is configured to perform repeating functions and to issue a plurality of ready events, and is preferably used to define loop procedures within the application program. An event handler procedure that is responsive to at least one of the ready events of the repeating program object may be specified by the developer through either graphical inputs or textual inputs to a computer. This event-handler procedure may then be incorporated into the application program for execution at application run-time.