Laine at 16:50, 11 June 2007

2007-06-11T16:50:52Z

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==Synopsis==
*void call_out(string fun, int delay, mixed arg, ...)
*void call_out(closure cl, int delay, mixed arg, ...)

==Description==
Set up a call to function fun in the current object, or to
closure cl. The call will take place in delay seconds, with the
remaining argument list provided. delay can be a minimum time
of one second.

call_out() saves and restores the current user. It is now
possible to use say() or write() which rely on a current
user to be something useful.

call_out() can only call functions which are publicly accessible,
i.e. "public" and "static" functions. "private" and "protected"
functions can't be called.

The execution of the call_out()s implies a simple (not
exhaustive) measure against rabbits: the evaluation costs of
those call_outs() executing at the same time are summed up on
a per-UID base. If the summed-up costs exceed the given maximum,
a 'too long evaluation' error will occur and any remaining
call_outs() of this user scheduled for the same time are
discarded.

Example:

call_out("RefreshMe", 10);

This will call the function RefreshMe() in 10 seconds without
any arguments. The function RefreshMe() can then call out
itself again which will result in a loop (not in a recursion)
which can be used to check or set up things in the object in
intervals. Be aware that callouts are stored in a linear
list, and so are somewhat expensive for the driver.

And YES: self-replicating call_out()s, where each call_out()
creates two or more other call_out()s in a loop (so called
'rabbits') slow the mud down very fast, and are even able
to crash it. No need to try it yourself.

==See Also==

[[man remove call out|remove_call_out(E)]], [[man call out info|call_out_info(E)]], [[man find call out|find_call_out(E)]], [[man this player|this_player(E)]], [[man reset|reset(A)]], [[man heart beat|heart_beat(A)]]

Man call out - Revision history

Laine at 16:50, 11 June 2007