In an optical code reader, at least a selected one of AGC processing and automatic focus control is performed in parallel with optical code decoding. Preferably, the selected process is initiated ahead of any signal which initiates decoding. Preferably, the selected process is performed periodically and independently of any signal which initiates decoding. In an embodiment, decoding and the selected processes are performed by different first and second processors, respectively, which operate in parallel, and the second processor performs the selected process without the first processor exercising any control over the performance of the selected process.