How to use setTimeout in Node.JS within a synchronous loop?

Question

The goal I'm trying to achieve is a client that constantly sends out data in timed intervals. I need it to run indefinitely. Basically a simulator/test type client.

I'm having issues with setTimeout since it is an asynchronous function that is called within a synchronous loop. So the result is that all the entries from the data.json file are outputted at the same time.

But what i'm looking for is:

output data
wait 10s
output data
wait 10s
...

app.js:

var async = require('async');

var jsonfile = require('./data.json');

function sendDataAndWait (data) {
    setTimeout(function() {
        console.log(data);
        //other code
    }, 10000);
}

// I want this to run indefinitely, hence the async.whilst
async.whilst(
    function () { return true; },
    function (callback) {
        async.eachSeries(jsonfile.data, function (item, callback) {
            sendDataAndWait(item);
            callback();
        }), function(err) {};
        setTimeout(callback, 30000);
    },
    function(err) {console.log('execution finished');}
);

Perhaps you could use setInterval instead?

user2428118
– user2428118

2014-02-26 15:11:07 +00:00
Commented Feb 26, 2014 at 15:11 — user2428118
– user2428118, Commented Feb 26, 2014 at 15:11

Guy Korland · Accepted Answer · 2014-02-26 15:15:07Z

2

You should pass the callback function:

function sendDataAndWait (data, callback) {
    setTimeout(function() {
       console.log(data);
       callback();
       //other code
    }, 10000);
}

// I want this to run indefinitely, hence the async.whilst
async.whilst(
    function () { return true; },
    function (callback) {
       async.eachSeries(jsonfile.data, function (item, callback) {
           sendDataAndWait(item, callback);
       }), function(err) {};
      // setTimeout(callback, 30000);
    },
    function(err) {console.log('execution finished');}
);

answered Feb 26, 2014 at 15:15

Guy Korland

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1 Comment

Nick Over a year ago

Thanks! that was it. Damn callbacks! :)

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