How does the setTimeout function work?
How does the setTimeout function work?
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Khushi Singh
19-Mar-2025Through JavaScript developers can utilize the
setTimeoutfunction to execute any specified code or function after setting a particular delay. The function operates asynchronously because it lets the program continue running its rest of code during the delay period. The function gets planned for execution at a later time after which the JavaScript engine continues working on other executing elements.The execution of the desired function goes into the event loop for timing when the code calls the
setTimeoutAPI. After timer expiration the function joins the callback queue to wait until the main thread frees up prior to execution. The execution time of the function could extend beyond the delay period when the call stack remains occupied.The
setTimeoutfunction requires two essential arguments during operationRunning
setTimeoutfunctions does not cause JavaScript to stop executing other code. The JavaScript engine performs other tasks as it continues measuring the timer duration separately in the background. When a function usessetTimeout(…, 0)it moves to the event queue for execution only after the current execution stack finishes running.The
clearTimeoutfunction allows users to stop a scheduled function from running by canceling the timeout before completing.The
setTimeoutmethod serves multiple purposes for timing purposes that include delivery control, animation display and periodic polling tasks to enhance the performance and better the user experience throughout JavaScript applications.