Timeout Pattern
The Timeout Pattern is a software design pattern used to handle operations that may take too long to complete, by setting a maximum time limit for their execution. It prevents indefinite blocking or hanging of applications by automatically terminating or canceling operations that exceed a predefined timeout duration. This pattern is commonly implemented in distributed systems, network communications, and asynchronous programming to improve reliability and responsiveness.
Developers should use the Timeout Pattern when building systems that interact with external services, perform I/O operations, or execute long-running tasks, as it helps avoid resource leaks, deadlocks, and unresponsive behavior. It is particularly critical in microservices architectures, web APIs, and real-time applications where timely responses are essential for user experience and system stability. By implementing timeouts, developers can gracefully handle failures and retry or fallback to alternative strategies.