# Class Ext.util.DelayedTask

Package: | Ext.util
Defined In: | DelayedTask.js
Class: | DelayedTask
Extends: | Object

The DelayedTask class provides a convenient way to "buffer" the execution of a method, performing setTimeout where a new timeout cancels the old timeout. When called, the task will wait the specified time period before executing. If durng that time period, the task is called again, the original call will be cancelled. This continues so that the function is only called a single time for each iteration.

This method is especially useful for things like detecting whether a user has finished typing in a text field. An example would be performing validation on a keypress. You can use this class to buffer the keypress events for a certain number of milliseconds, and perform only if they stop for that amount of time. Usage:

    var task = new Ext.util.DelayedTask(function(){
        alert(Ext.getDom('myInputField').value.length);
    });
    // Wait 500ms before calling our function. If the user presses another key
    // during that 500ms, it will be cancelled and we'll wait another 500ms.
    Ext.get('myInputField').on('keypress', function(){
        task.delay(500);
    });

Note that we are using a DelayedTask here to illustrate a point. The configuration option `buffer` for addListener/on will also setup a delayed task for you to buffer events.

## Public Properties

This class has no public properties.

## Public Methods

Method | Defined By
--- | ---
| DelayedTask( [Function fn], Object scope, [Array args] ) The parameters to this constructor serve as defaults and are not required. The parameters to this constructor serve as defaults and are not required. Parameters: `fn` : Function (optional) The default function to call. `scope` : Object The default scope (The `this` reference) in which the function is called. If not specified, `this` will refer to the browser window. `args` : Array (optional) The default Array of arguments. Returns: void | DelayedTask
| cancel() : void Cancel the last queued timeout Cancel the last queued timeout Parameters: None. Returns: void | DelayedTask
| delay( Number delay, [Function newFn], [Object newScope], [Array newArgs] ) : void Cancels any pending timeout and queues a new one Cancels any pending timeout and queues a new one Parameters: `delay` : Number The milliseconds to delay `newFn` : Function (optional) Overrides function passed to constructor `newScope` : Object (optional) Overrides scope passed to constructor. Remember that if no scope is specified, `this` will refer to the browser window. `newArgs` : Array (optional) Overrides args passed to constructor Returns: void | DelayedTask

## Public Events

This class has no public events.