When should I use debouncing instead of throttling?

When should I use debouncing instead of throttling?

Debouncing is best used when you want to limit the rate at which a function is executed, especially for events like resizing or keypresses. It ensures that the function only runs after a specified delay, preventing it from being called too frequently.

Can you give me an example of when to use debouncing?

Sure! A common example is in search input fields. If a user types quickly, debouncing will wait until they stop typing for a moment before sending the search request, reducing unnecessary API calls.

What about throttling? When should I use that?

Throttling is useful when you want to ensure a function is called at regular intervals, regardless of how often an event occurs. For instance, you might use throttling for scroll events to limit how often a function runs while the user is scrolling.

Can you summarize the differences between debouncing and throttling?

Certainly! Debouncing delays execution until after a specified time has passed since the last event, while throttling ensures a function is executed at most once in a specified time period.