Company
Date Published
Author
Pascal Akunne
Word count
2220
Language
-
Hacker News points
None

Summary

Node.js offers a range of built-in methods to manage asynchronous tasks, primarily using its event loop, which consists of six phases. This article focuses on the timers phase, discussing functions like setTimeout(), setInterval(), and setImmediate(), which schedule and execute code after specific delays. These functions return objects that can be manipulated with clear functions like clearTimeout(), clearInterval(), and clearImmediate() to stop executions. The text also explores the differences between using window.setTimeout() and arrow functions, showing how the context changes with each. Recursive use of setTimeout() is highlighted as a technique to control task execution intervals. Additionally, other timer functions such as unref() and ref() are explained, which manage the event loop's activity state. The article emphasizes the importance of proper error handling within timer and asynchronous operations through techniques like try...catch blocks and logging errors. It also discusses using timers to throttle API requests, ensuring requests are spaced out to avoid server overload. The article concludes by suggesting best practices for using Node.js timers and introduces LogRocket as a tool to monitor and improve digital experiences.