The answer
Debounce delays execution until activity stops (only the last call runs). Throttle limits to once per interval (calls at a fixed rate, ignoring calls in between). Debounce = wait then run; throttle = run at most every N ms.
Debouncing vs Throttling in JavaScript
What is the difference between debouncing and throttling?
More FAQs in Debouncing vs Throttling in JavaScript
Use debounce for search input, auto-save, and window resize (run after activity stops). Use throttle for scroll, mousemove, and continuous events (run at a controlled rate, not after stopping).
function debounce(fn, delay) { let timer; return function(...args) { clearTimeout(timer); timer = setTimeout(() => fn.apply(this, args), delay); }; }. Each call clears and resets the timer. Only the last call executes.
function throttle(fn, delay) { let last = 0; return function(...args) { const now = Date.now(); if (now - last >= delay) { last = now; fn.apply(this, args); } }; }. Execute only if enough time has passed since the last execution.
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