Using AJAX asynchronously in JavaScript commands synchronization

After researching similar questions on SO without finding a satisfactory answer, I encountered an issue with synchronous AJAX calls in my HTML/JavaScript page. Mozilla has deprecated some functionality related to synchronous requests, making it necessary for me to adapt my code to handle asynchronous requests better.

In response to this challenge, I have attempted to modify a generic "make web request" function that my application utilizes. However, my current approach is not yielding the desired results.

var webResponse = null;

function webCall(action, type, xmlBodyString) {
console.log("In webCall with " + type + ": " + action);
webResponse = null;
var xmlhttp = new XMLHttpRequest();
xmlhttp.onreadystatechange = function()
{
    if (xmlhttp.readyState == 4)
    {
        if (xmlhttp.status == 200) {
            webResponse = xmlhttp.responseXML;
        } else {
            var statusTxt = xmlhttp.statusText;
            if (statusTxt == null || statusTxt.length == 0) {
                statusTxt = "An Unknown Error Occurred";
            }
            throw "ERROR " + xmlhttp.status + ":" + statusTxt;
        }
    }
}
xmlhttp.open(type, action, true);
if (xmlBodyString == null) {
    xmlhttp.send();
} else {
    xmlhttp.setRequestHeader("Content-Type", "text/xml");
    xmlhttp.send(xmlBodyString);
}

for (var i = 0; i < 20; i++) {
    if (webResponse != null) {
        break;
    }
    window.setTimeout(nop, 250);
}
if (webResponse == null) {
    throw "Waited 5 seconds for a response, and didn't get one.";
}
console.log("Responding with " + webResponse);
return webResponse;
}

function nop() {
}

Despite setting up a mechanism to wait a maximum of 5 seconds for a response, the code exits prematurely instead of actually waiting. Even when tested in a fiddle, the issue persists. http://jsfiddle.net/Z29M5/

I am seeking assistance in resolving this discrepancy. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Answer №1

It's not possible to achieve synchronous behavior in plain JavaScript on browsers right now. Stick to using asynchronous requests to avoid getting stuck in callback hell, which is a common issue in event-driven systems lacking language support.

Unless you're willing to limit your browser compatibility (mainly to just Firefox currently), generators can give you code that appears synchronous. However, for a more seamless experience, consider using languages that compile into JS and offer support for synchronous-like code. One such example from a few years ago is https://github.com/maxtaco/tamejs.

Answer №2

Initially, to alleviate the struggle, utilizing asynchronous code in an asynchronous manner is the optimal approach. It requires a distinct methodology, that's all.

Moreover, concerning your specific inquiry, this is the functionality of your 'delay' loop:

For twenty iterations
  if a response is received, stop
  set a timeout for 250ms
repeat process

(The entire loop completes all 20 cycles instantly. Response will not be obtained)

. . . after 250ms

execute the initial setTimeout callback, namely nop

carry out the subsequent...

A viable solution eludes me at the moment, except by relocating your processing code within the AJAX call back, the ideal location for async code regardless.

Answer №3

Consider the benefits of managing a queue of requests and handling them sequentially as each ajax call returns.

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