Timer object in Django

Question

Hi,

I'm using Django to create registration/payment application for a limited number of products. I want to create a timer so that when a user chooses to purchase a product, that product will then displayed as "already taken". But, if the user the user does not go through with the purchase and the timer runs out, the product goes back to status "available". If the user completes the purchase, the timer should cancel, leaving the product's status permanently as "already taken".

I've tried using python's dictionary to instantiate python Timer objects of the fly, but about 30% of the time, I get a "key error" when it's time to cancel the Timer.

Please. Could someone give me an idea on the proper way to do this in Django?

Thanks very much!

Mark

Answer 1

You should not use some in-process/memory timer objects since your django app can run in multiple processes...

I suggest create this "timers" in database (like "expire" datetime field for your product model) and use cron job that will mark expired objects to be available

Answer 2

Fork it. Have your model use three states for a product: available, taken, and purchased. When a user initiates an action that marks the product as taken, spawn a new process that will mark the product to available in 3 minutes if it is not purchased.

Answer 3

I would not use a timer for such situation because it can give some complexity. What will happen to your timers if the process is restarted. That't the case with some internet providers who restart the process on a regular basis. Maybe you are facing a similar situation.

I would add a 'taken_time' datetimefield to your table to know when the product is taken and use it in order to know if the product is available or not

The list of available products would be filled with the 'available' products and the 'taken' if their 'taken_time' is lower that (current time - accepted delay)

I think you don't really need to change the status with an external process as long as you manage it correctly in your business logic.

I hope it helps

PS: Sorry for my english! Quite late in France now and difficult for me to find simple way to explain my view :-)