What *does* happen is that the PCM relearns certain parameters based on driving conditions. This process, sometimes referred to as "relearning," takes time and varies depending on several factors like driving style and environmental conditions. It might take anywhere from a few minutes to several driving cycles (meaning multiple starts and stops) for the PCM to fully adapt to your driving habits and optimize performance. You might notice slightly rougher idle or less efficient fuel economy for a short period after a reset while this adaptation happens.
There's no specific timeframe. It's not like the computer is "reading" a book; it's adjusting its control strategies based on sensor inputs.