How to set expiration of an element inside array in javascript / nodejs?

Question

Is it possible to set an expiration of an element inside the array? For example, I added element "A" inside an array and after n Hours it is automatically removed from the array.

If it is possible, then can you please provide me an example?

I'm newbie to javascript and node js so please don't go way too complicated. and also please don't mind if I have added silly question.

Thanks in advance!

Spectric · Accepted Answer · 2021-09-25 17:21:56Z

1

You can simulate an expiration by using setTimeout to execute a callback function which deletes the item in the array after a certain delay:

const array = [1, 2, 3]

console.log('Before: ', array)

function setExpiration(array, itemIndex, delay){
  setTimeout(() => array.splice(itemIndex, 1), delay)
}

setExpiration(array, 1, 2000)

setTimeout(() => console.log('After: ', array), 2001)

edited Sep 25, 2021 at 17:21

answered Sep 25, 2021 at 17:16

Spectric

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7 Comments

Venkat Lohith Dasari Over a year ago

As per my understanding, I have to manually set a timeout for each element. What if elements inside an array are automatically being added. So how can I ensure that each element has its own auto expiration?? because I cannot manually add the timeout function for each if there are so many elements inside it...

Spectric Over a year ago

@VenkatLohithDasari It would be possible to add a timeout for each item with a loop.

Venkat Lohith Dasari Over a year ago

something like this?? for(var i = 0; i<array.length; i++){setTimeout(() => array.splice(i, 1), 2000)}; This way, the first element will be deleted in just 2 seconds but for the next element, it will be a total of 4 seconds to get deleted if I assume that both elements are added at same time.

Spectric Over a year ago

@VenkatLohithDasari "but for the next element, it will be a total of 4 seconds to get deleted" - It will not actually. It will still take 2 seconds.

Venkat Lohith Dasari Over a year ago

does that mean for loop executes code for each element simultaneously?

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