Node.js provides several timer functions for scheduling code execution. Here's how they work.
setTimeout
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setInterval
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setImmediate
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process.nextTick
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Timer Promises (Node.js 16+)
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Event Loop Phases
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Patterns
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Timer References
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Scheduling Patterns
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Common Mistakes
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Best Practices
Choosing Timers:
✓ setTimeout for delayed execution
✓ setInterval for repeated tasks
✓ setImmediate after I/O
✓ process.nextTick for immediate async
Memory Management:
✓ Always clear timers when done
✓ Use unref() for non-critical timers
✓ Store timer IDs for cleanup
✓ Clear on process exit
Patterns:
✓ Use timer promises in Node 16+
✓ Implement debounce/throttle
✓ Add timeout to async operations
✓ Yield with setImmediate in loops
Avoid:
✗ Recursive process.nextTick
✗ Relying on timer order
✗ Forgetting to clear intervals
✗ Assuming timer precision
Conclusion
Node.js timers provide flexible scheduling options. Use setTimeout for delays, setInterval for repetition, setImmediate for post-I/O execution, and process.nextTick for immediate callbacks. The timer promises API in Node.js 16+ makes async timer code cleaner. Always clean up timers to prevent memory leaks.