The invention patent shall be kept confidential within 18 months before application. What is the function of confidentiality period? What is the patent office doing in the meantime?

Essentially,

1 Temporary protection for your invention.

Why not do it?

The patent office is understaffed.

(Say something surprising or happy) Listen.

3 judge novelty

The answer is simple. . . .

Excuse me. . . . I have to go to class.

If necessary. . . I'll add it when I get back.