How can I use Boost Asio for advanced timer functionalities in C++?

How can I use Boost Asio for advanced timer functionalities in C++?

You can use Boost Asio's steady_timer or deadline_timer for advanced timing functionalities. Would you like a code example?

Yes, please provide a code example for a steady timer.

Here's a simple example:

#include <boost/asio.hpp>
#include <iostream>

void print(const boost::system::error_code& /*e*/, int* count) {
    if (*count < 5) {
        std::cout << "Timer fired! Count: " << *count << std::endl;
        ++(*count);
    }
}

int main() {
    boost::asio::io_context io;
    int count = 0;
    boost::asio::steady_timer timer(io, std::chrono::seconds(1));
    timer.async_wait([&count](const boost::system::error_code& e) { print(e, &count); });
    io.run();
    return 0;
}

This code sets a timer that fires every second.

What if I want to cancel the timer before it fires?

You can call the cancel() method on the timer object. Here's how you can modify the example to include cancellation.

Great! Can you show me that modification?

Sure! You can add a cancellation condition like this:

if (/* some condition */) {
    timer.cancel();
}

This will cancel the timer if the condition is met before it fires.