How do I use Boost Asio for timer callbacks in C++?

How do I use Boost Asio for timer callbacks in C++?

You can use the boost::asio::steady_timer class to create a timer. First, include the necessary headers and create an io_context.

Can you show me a simple example of setting a timer?

Sure! Here's a basic example:

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

void timer_handler(const boost::system::error_code& /*e*/) {
    std::cout << "Timer expired!" << std::endl;
}

int main() {
    boost::asio::io_context io;
    boost::asio::steady_timer timer(io, std::chrono::seconds(5));
    timer.async_wait(timer_handler);
    io.run();
    return 0;
}

What happens if I want to cancel the timer?

You can call the cancel() method on the timer object. This will stop the timer if it hasn't expired yet.

Are there any limitations I should be aware of?

Yes, be mindful of the timer's precision and the fact that it operates within the context of the io_context. If the io_context is not running, the timer won't trigger.