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This verb takes it's name from the “idle” handler in a compiled applescript. It can be used to re-execute a global script very quickly or continually without having to clog up the schedule events window. Scheduled events only have a granularity of 1 second anyway, but if you wanted something to run faster than that you'd need to use this. This verb can be called from anywhere. This is considered an advanced scripting topic and you should use the “execute script” verb whenever possible as opposed to this.
start idler (text, name of a global script, Unit or Interface) handler (optional, name of a handler in the global script if not supplied the script will be run normally) in (optional, how long to wait in milliseconds before running the handler for the first time. Passing a value of 1000 would result in the first running of the hander in 1 second. After the first run the returned value from the script or handler will be used to schedule the next callback.)
start idler (ThisScript) handler “StepTwo” in 500
would execute the handler “on stepTwo()” in half a second.
You can also execute handlers in unit ON scripts or in Interface scripts (like the DIY interface) with this verb. While the name parameter is optional if you’re starting a handler in a script because it can use the global (thisScript) value you must include the unit or interface name in order to have the idle timer be called back into either of those types of scripts.
See Also: Stop Idler
version 9.1 added support to run an idler callback in a units ON script or an Interface script