How to Loop Functions in Different Time Intervals using Python

Learn how to run multiple functions simultaneously at different intervals in Python using the multiprocessing module.
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How to Loop Functions in Different Time Intervals using Python

When coding in Python, you may encounter situations where you want to run multiple functions at different time intervals. For instance, you might need one function to execute every 3 seconds while another runs every 6 seconds. The challenge here lies in Python's inherent limitation: it cannot run multiple threads of execution in the same process simultaneously. However, with the help of the multiprocessing module, we can easily achieve this. In this guide, we will explore how to run functions at different time intervals using Python's multiprocessing library.

Understanding the Problem

Here’s an example scenario: You want to print "one" every 3 seconds and "two" every 6 seconds. At first glance, you may attempt to use the following code:

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This code, however, only executes the first function repeatedly, ignoring the second function altogether. This is where the multiprocessing library comes into play to allow both functions to run concurrently.

Solution: Using the multiprocessing Module

Step 1: Import the Library

To use the multiprocessing module, start by importing it along with the time library:

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Step 2: Define the Function

Define the function that you want to run at different intervals. Here's an example:

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Step 3: Create Processes

Now, you will create separate processes for each function call. Each process will run independently and concurrently. You can do this like so:

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Step 4: Start and Join Processes

After creating the processes, you need to start them and then wait for them to finish execution. This is done using the start() and join() methods:

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Final Code Example

Here’s the complete code that implements the above steps:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Important Considerations

Infinite Loops: Without a defined stop condition (like k < 500), the functions would run indefinitely. It's crucial to control your while loops.

Cross-Process Communication: If your processes need to share data or communicate, you may want to explore more features of the multiprocessing module, such as using pipes or queues.

Research More: If you want to understand multiprocessing better, consider checking out guides or resources on YouTube or programming blogs.

Conclusion

In summary, using Python's multiprocessing module allows you to execute functions concurrently at different intervals. This is particularly useful when you need non-blocking execution for time-driven operations. The methods shared above will help you accomplish this task efficiently. Happy coding!