call a funtion at regular interval

[smart_nava]

hi all, how a function can be called at regular interval for limited times in AS3.0 and one more thing the timer should not be started automatically. I have to trigger that method.

[kglad]

you already know about the timer class?  if not, that's what you should use.  check the flash help files.

if yes, what problem are you having?

[smart_nava]

Actually what I need is, setInterval function should not start defaulty. whenever I want, I will have to start as well as clear.

[kglad]

i'm not sure what you're trying to say.

setInterval() starts calling its function when the interval is instantiated and stops when the interval is cleared.

you can define a timer, add a listener and define a listener function and start it whenever you want and stop it whenever you want.

[smart_nava]

var count:Number = 0;
function generateRandom():void {
count++;
if (count >= 6) {
  clearInterval(IntervalID);
}
}
function toCallFn(e:Event):void {
var IntervalID:int = setInterval(generateRandom, 1000);
}
start_Btn.addEventListener(MouseEvent.CLICK,toCallFn);

if I compile the above script, I will get the below error.

1120: Access of undefined property IntervalID.clearInterval(IntervalID);

How can I rectify this.

[kglad]

when you prefix a variable with var inside a function, you're making that variable local to that function (and just that function call in which it's instantiated).  you don't want IntervalID to be local to toCallFn().  use:

var IntervalID:int;

var count:Number = 0;
function generateRandom():void {
count++;
if (count >= 6) {
  clearInterval(IntervalID);
}
}
function toCallFn(e:Event):void {
IntervalID = setInterval(generateRandom, 1000);
}
start_Btn.addEventListener(MouseEvent.CLICK,toCallFn);

[smart_nava]

Thank you for your kindness...

[kglad]

you're welcome.

p.s.  you should add a clearInterva() to the line just above your setInterval().  if you click your button a 2nd time before the first interval has cleared, you'll have a mess.