Скачать или смотреть Using Threading in Python to Prevent time.sleep() from Halting Your Robot Script

Learn how to implement `threading` in Python to keep your robot's functions running smoothly even when using `time.sleep()`.
---
This video is based on the question https://stackoverflow.com/q/63268115/ asked by the user 'HEL' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/13768079/ ) and on the answer https://stackoverflow.com/a/63268200/ provided by the user 'Or Y' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/14053345/ ) at 'Stack Overflow' website. Thanks to these great users and Stackexchange community for their contributions.

Visit these links for original content and any more details, such as alternate solutions, latest updates/developments on topic, comments, revision history etc. For example, the original title of the Question was: How to use threading so time.sleep() doesn't stop all script?

Also, Content (except music) licensed under CC BY-SA https://meta.stackexchange.com/help/l...
The original Question post is licensed under the 'CC BY-SA 4.0' ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/... ) license, and the original Answer post is licensed under the 'CC BY-SA 4.0' ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/... ) license.

If anything seems off to you, please feel free to write me at vlogize [AT] gmail [DOT] com.
---
How to Use Threading in Python to Prevent time.sleep() from Stopping All Script

When building a robot using Python, developers often encounter challenges that can interrupt the flow of their code, especially when using functions like time.sleep(). This method is typically employed to introduce delays, which can be useful for timing control. However, one significant drawback is that it can halt the entire program, preventing other functions from executing. In this blog, we will explore how to effectively use threading to manage delays without stalling all scripts in Python.

The Challenge

Imagine you’re steering a robot with a servo motor, and you want to create a smooth turning motion using a for loop. To achieve this, you might use time.sleep() to control the duration of each step in the motion. The code fragment below demonstrates a simple steering function:

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

The challenge here is that while the robot is turning, if you introduce even a brief time.sleep(), it will stop executing other functions of your robot, such as responding to controller inputs or driving operations. This limitation can significantly hinder the efficiency of your robotic project.

The Solution: Threading

What is Threading?

Threading is a powerful concept in programming that allows a program to run multiple parallel tasks simultaneously. By using threads, you can execute short-lived tasks, like waiting, without freezing your entire system. This means that you can continue to process inputs and manage other functions while one thread is "sleeping."

Implementing Threading in Your Python Code

Below is a step-by-step guide on how to incorporate threading into your robotic application.

Step 1: Import the Threading Library

Make sure to import Python’s built-in threading module at the beginning of your script:

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

Step 2: Define a Threaded Function

Create a separate function that will handle your turn_right and turn_left operations. This function will execute in a thread, allowing you to use time.sleep() without ending other tasks.

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

Step 3: Start the Thread

Instead of calling the turning function directly, you will now create and start a thread for the turning action:

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

This allows turn_right_threaded to execute in a separate thread, which in turn keeps your main program responsive.

Final Thoughts

By utilizing threading, you can maintain the operational flow of your robotic application while effectively managing time delays. This will enable your robot to process commands more efficiently without interruptions. Keep in mind that while threading can significantly improve performance, it also adds complexity. Make sure to synchronize threads and handle shared resources carefully to prevent unexpected behavior.

Conclusion

Incorporating threading into your Python robotics project can be a game-changer in managing delays without compromising the responsiveness of your robot. Experiment with threading for other long-running tasks to enhance performance. Happy coding and good luck with your robotic adventures!