How can I rate limit how fast a javascript function allows itself to be called?

Question

I have a JavaScript function which actually ends up making a server-side call. I want to limit the rate at which this function can be called.

What is an easy way I can limit how fast my javascript function will get called by say 200-500 milliseconds or so? Should I use a javascript timer control?

Answer 1

You can create a flag that is raised when the function is called and start a timer and if this flag is raised then you can not call the function, then after a certain time, the timer is called and he turns off the flag, allowing you to call the function again.

The flag can be anything, like a bool or something.

Answer 2

try setinterval( "function()", 500)

Answer 3

This will not allow the function to run if less than 500 milliseconds have passed since the last call.

(function(window, undefined){
    var canCall = true;
    window.funcName = function(){
        if (!canCall) 
            return;
        //Your function
        canCall = false;
        setTimeout(function(){
            canCall = true;
        }, 500);
    }
})(window);

Answer 4

fooCanBeCalled = true;
function foo(){
   if(!fooCanBeCalled) return;
   //Whatever you want to do
   fooCanBeCalled = false;
   setTimeout(function(){
      {
         fooCanBecalled = true;
      }
   , delayInMilliseconds);
}