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Window setTimeout() Method

Window Object Reference Window Object

Example

Display an alert box after 3 seconds (3000 milliseconds):

setTimeout(function(){ alert("Hello"); }, 3000);
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More "Try it Yourself" examples below.


Definition and Usage

The setTimeout() method calls a function or evaluates an expression after a specified number of milliseconds.

Tip: 1000 ms = 1 second.

Tip: The function is only executed once. If you need to repeat execution, use the setInterval() method.

Tip: Use the clearTimeout() method to prevent the function from running.


Browser Support

The numbers in the table specify the first browser version that fully supports the method.

Method
setTimeout() 1.0 4.0 1.0 1.0 4.0

Syntax

setTimeout(function,milliseconds,param1,param2,...)

Parameter Values

Parameter Description
function Required. The function that will be executed
milliseconds Required. The number of milliseconds to wait before executing the code
param1,param2,... Optional. Additional parameters to pass to the function (Not supported in IE9 and earlier)

Technical Details

Return Value: A Number, representing the ID value of the timer that is set. Use this value with the clearTimeout() method to cancel the timer

Examples

More Examples

Example

You can also refer to "named" function; Display an alert box after 3 seconds (3000 milliseconds):

var myVar;

function myFunction() {
    myVar = setTimeout(alertFunc, 3000);
}

function alertFunc() {
    alert("Hello!");
}
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Example

Display a timed text:

var x = document.getElementById("txt");
setTimeout(function(){ x.value="2 seconds" }, 2000);
setTimeout(function(){ x.value="4 seconds" }, 4000);
setTimeout(function(){ x.value="6 seconds" }, 6000);
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Example

Open a new window and close the window after three seconds (3000 milliseconds):

var myWindow = window.open("", "", "width=200, height=100");
myWindow.document.write("<p>This is 'myWindow'</p>");
setTimeout(function(){ myWindow.close() }, 3000);
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Example

Using clearTimeout() to prevent the function to run:

var myVar;

function myFunction() {
    myVar = setTimeout(function(){ alert("Hello") }, 3000);
}

function myStopFunction() {
    clearTimeout(myVar);
}
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Example

Count forever - but with the ability to stop the count:

function startCount()
function stopCount()
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Example

A clock created with timing events:

function startTime() {
    var today = new Date();
    var h = today.getHours();
    var m = today.getMinutes();
    var s = today.getSeconds();
    // add a zero in front of numbers<10
    m = checkTime(m);
    s = checkTime(s);
    document.getElementById("txt").innerHTML = h+ ":" + m + ":" + s;
    t = setTimeout(function(){ startTime() }, 500);
}

function checkTime(i) {
    if (i<10) {
        i = "0" + i;
    }
    return i;
}
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Example

Pass parameters to the alertFunc function (does not work in IE9 and earlier):

var myVar;

function myStartFunction() {
    myVar = setTimeout(alertFunc, 2000, "First param", "Second param");
}
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However, if you use an anonymous function, it will work in all browsers:

var myVar;

function myStartFunction() {
    myVar = setTimeout(function(){ alertFunc("First param", "Second param"); }, 2000);
}
Try it Yourself »

Related Pages

Window Object: clearTimeout() Method

Window Object: setInterval() Method

Window Object: clearInterval() Method


Window Object Reference Window Object