setInterval and clearInterval, How to run only 1 time?

Question

I only want to run the function 1 time.

timerA = setInterval(function()
         {
            //codes..
            clearInterval(timerA);
         }, 2000);

I want to call the function inside setInterval only 1 time. How can I do it with setInterval and clearInterval?

Or is there another technique to do it?

use setTimeout instead, also, this is core javascript? why the jquery tag? — Adam, Dec 03 '12 at 15:54
I've asked, if is there an another technique to do it?" Because I am using both frameworks. — Vural, Dec 03 '12 at 15:56
@Asad As well? It's the only approach, isn't it? There is no alternative. — Šime Vidas, Dec 03 '12 at 16:11
@Asad Ah, you were referring to `setInterval`? I was referring to `setTimeout`. However, `setInterval` is not a good approach. If a function has to be invoked once after a delay, then `setTimeout` is the proper way to do it, but `setInterval` is not. — Šime Vidas, Dec 03 '12 at 16:18
@Asad It works but it's not a fine approach. It should be refactored into a `setTimeout`. — Šime Vidas, Dec 03 '12 at 16:27
@ŠimeVidas I have already agreed with this, so I'm not sure what your point is. — Asad Saeeduddin, Dec 03 '12 at 16:30
@Asad Well, your initial comment is still visible. If you don't agree with it anymore, consider deleting it. — Šime Vidas, Dec 03 '12 at 17:08
Classic stack0verflow, they ignore your answer and tell you to use something else — nodws, Feb 01 '23 at 00:40

score 28 · Accepted Answer · answered Dec 03 '12 at 15:54

28

Use the setTimeout method if you only want it to run once.

Example:

 setTimeout(function() {
      // Do something after 5 seconds
 }, 5000);

answered Dec 03 '12 at 15:54

dsgriffin

score 4 · Answer 2 · edited May 23 '17 at 12:34

4

If you only want to run the code once, I would recommend using setTimeout instead:

setTimeout(function(){
   //code
}, 2000);

edited May 23 '17 at 12:34

Community

answered Dec 03 '12 at 15:54

Curtis

score 4 · Answer 3 · answered Dec 03 '12 at 15:55

4

Use setTimeout instead:

setTimeout(function() { [...] }, timeout);

this will execute the function only once after timeout milliseconds.

answered Dec 03 '12 at 15:55

Matteo Tassinari

3 Answers3