What are some practical use cases for setInterval in JavaScript?

What are some practical use cases for setInterval in JavaScript?

setInterval is commonly used for tasks like updating a clock, polling a server, or creating animations.

Can you give me an example of using setInterval to update a clock?

Sure! You can use setInterval to update the time displayed on a webpage every second. Here's a simple example:

setInterval(() => {
    const now = new Date();
    document.getElementById('clock').innerText = now.toLocaleTimeString();
}, 1000);

What about using setInterval for animations?

For animations, setInterval can be used to change the position of an element at regular intervals, creating a smooth effect.

Are there any downsides to using setInterval?

Yes, if not managed properly, setInterval can lead to performance issues or memory leaks, especially if intervals are not cleared.