efun: call_out

SYNOPSIS:

        void call_out(string fun, int delay, mixed arg, ...)
        void call_out(closure cl, int delay, mixed arg, ...)

DESCRIPTION:

        Set up a call to function fun in the current object, or to
        closure cl. The call will take place after <delay> seconds, with the
        remaining argument list provided. <delay> can be a minimum time
        of one second, but will be rounded up to the next multiple of
        __ALARM_TIME__ internally.

        call_out() saves and restores the current user. It is now
        possible to use say() or write() which rely on a current
        user to be something useful.

        call_out() can only call functions by name <fun> which are publicly
        accessible, i.e. "public" and "static" functions. "private" and
        "protected" functions can't be called.

        If <fun> does not define a publicly accessible function, the
        efun will call the H_DEFAULT_METHOD hook if set.
        Calls to the master object never use the H_DEFAULT_METHOD hook.

        The execution of the call_out()s implies a simple (not
        exhaustive) measure against rabbits: the evaluation costs of
        those call_outs() executing at the same time are summed up on
        a per-UID base. If the summed-up costs exceed the given maximum,
        a 'too long evaluation' error will occur and any remaining
        call_outs() of this user scheduled for the same time are
        discarded.

        If two call_out()s were started with the same target time
        the one that was issued first will be executed first.

EXAMPLE:

        call_out("RefreshMe", 10);

        This will call the function RefreshMe() in 10 seconds without
        any arguments. The function RefreshMe() can then call out
        itself again which will result in a loop (not in a recursion)
        which can be used to check or set up things in the object in
        intervals. Be aware that callouts are stored in a linear
        list, and so are somewhat expensive for the driver.

        And YES: self-replicating call_out()s, where each call_out()
        creates two or more other call_out()s in a loop (so called
        'rabbits') slow the mud down very fast, and are even able
        to crash it. No need to try it yourself.

SEE ALSO:

	
	remove_call_out(E), call_out_info(E), find_call_out(E),
	this_player(E), reset(A), heart_beat(A)