In this post we cover how to dispatch a Redux action with a timeout.
How to dispatch a Redux action with a timeout?
To dispatch a Redux action with a timeout is similar to any calling any other function within a timeout or a delay which can be done by wrapping the dispatch in a setTimeout or using some asynchronous code to wait for a few moments.
Here are a few examples of how it can be done.
First example, setTimeout:
1// setTimeout
2const remindCoffee = (dispatch) => {
3 dispatch({
4 type: SHOW_REMINDER,
5 payload: "Would you like some coffee? This message will disappear in 5 seconds."
6 });
7
8 setTimeout(() => dispatch({ type: HIDE_REMINDER }), 5000);
9}Second example, async code:
1// async
2const buyCoffee = async (dispatch) => {
3 dispatch({
4 type: SHOW_LOADING_SCREEN,
5 });
6
7 await purchaseCoffee();
8
9 dispatch({ type: PURCHASE_COMPLETE });
10}Third example, redux middleware:
1// middleware
2function* buyCoffeeSaga() {
3 yield put({ type: SHOW_LOADING_SCREEN })
4 yield call(purchaseCoffee);
5 yield put({ type: PURCHASE_COMPLETE });
6}Asynchronous
When something is asynchronous it just means that something can happen at a later point in time and instead of waiting for it, other things can be done in the meantime.
In software engineering it means the same, but it is applied to code. When a function or block of code is asynchronous it is simply saying that we do not know when this asynchronous action will be completed so the rest of the code can continue being processed whilst we wait for it so that it does not block other actions.
Redux
Redux is a predictable state management library for JavaScript applications, primarily used with frameworks like React. It provides a centralized store that holds the entire application state and allows for predictable updates through a unidirectional data flow. Redux follows the Flux architecture pattern, emphasizing the separation of concerns and maintaining a single source of truth for the application state. Actions are dispatched to describe state changes, which are handled by pure functions called reducers. These reducers update the state immutably, ensuring that the application state remains predictable and consistent. With Redux, developers can manage complex application states more effectively, debug and trace state changes, and easily implement features like time travel debugging and state persistence.
Redux middleware
Redux middlewares are functions that sit between the dispatching of an action and the point it reaches the reducer. They provide a way to intercept, modify, or enhance the behavior of Redux actions.
Middlewares in Redux enable developers to add custom logic and functionality to the Redux data flow, such as handling asynchronous actions, logging, analytics, or implementing side effects. When an action is dispatched, it passes through each middleware in the chain, giving them an opportunity to process the action or modify the data before reaching the reducer.
Middlewares can intercept actions, dispatch additional actions, or even halt the action dispatch altogether.
This extensibility allows for a flexible and scalable approach to managing application behavior and integrating external libraries or services into the Redux workflow.
Popular Redux middleware includes Redux Thunk for handling asynchronous actions and Redux Saga for managing complex side effects.
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