In a GUI framework, event listeners work as follows:

1. Event registration: A component (e.g., button) registers an event listener with the GUI framework, specifying the type of event (e.g., click) and the callback function to execute when the event occurs.

2. Event occurrence: When the specified event occurs (e.g., user clicks the button), the GUI framework generates an event object containing details about the event.

3. Event dispatch: The GUI framework dispatches the event object to the registered event listener.

4. Callback execution: The event listener executes the callback function, passing the event object as an argument.

5. Event handling: The callback function processes the event, performing actions such as updating the GUI, validating input, or triggering additional events.

6. Event propagation: The GUI framework may propagate the event to parent components or other registered listeners, allowing for hierarchical event handling.

Common event listener methods include:

- AddEventListener(eventType, callback)
- RemoveEventListener(eventType, callback)
- DispatchEvent(event)

Event listeners enable loose coupling between components, making it easier to develop modular, reusable, and maintainable GUI code.