## Why
Delta world saves re-serialize an entity only when it has been marked dirty. An audit of the generated classes found three ways serialized state changes without a mark; this PR closes the ones that do not need a new generator package.
## What
- **Custom `[SerializableProperty]` setters mark dirty.** Twelve hand-written setters assigned their backing field without `this.MarkDirty()`. `PlagueBeastLord.OpenedBy` was an auto-property carrying the attribute with no backing field at all; it is now a generated field with the same name, order and command-property exposure.
- **Generated sub-objects are linked to their owner.** Without a `[DirtyTrackingEntity]` member the generator emits setters that mark nothing. Eight entity-owned sub-objects now carry the link and receive the owner through the constructor the generator calls: `BOBFilter` (owner is `IEntity`: a `PlayerMobile` or a `BulkOrderBook`), `BOBLargeSubEntry`, `PuzzleChestSolution` and `PuzzleChestSolutionAndTime`, `TalismanAttribute` (the random factories now take the talisman), `VendorItem`, `PlayerBBMessage`, `RaffleEntry`, `ShardPollOption`. Migration schemas were regenerated with the pinned tool; the only change is the value rule argument becoming `DeserializationRequiresParent`.
- **BaseVendor uses the generator; restock amounts are no longer persisted.** The only state it wrote was which buy entries had grown restock amounts, packed by index into the live `SBInfos` tables. Restock is transient now and rebuilds on load; version 1 records are read and discarded through the legacy path. Every vendor subclass now serializes through a generated chain.
## Generator 4.1.0
This PR adopts SerializationGenerator 4.1.0 (modernuo/SerializationGenerator#55): SG3019/SG3020 diagnostics, `[VolatileSerializedState]`, `StopXxx()` timer helpers, and owner-constructor preference for sub-objects (so dictionary values are constructed with their owner; the 4.0.0 relink fallback is gone). `PlayerVendor.v3.json` gains `DeserializationRequiresParent` for its `VendorItem` values so the migration content struct constructs them with their vendor.
SG3019 is an error under `TreatWarningsAsErrors` and generator diagnostics ignore pragmas, so the five contexts that live in whole-file player-keyed persistences (`ChampionTitle`, `ChampionTitleContext`, `MurderContext`, `VirtueContext`, `JailRecord`) now carry a `[DirtyTrackingEntity]` link to their `PlayerMobile`, which is where they will live once those blobs move onto the player record. `JailSystem.EmptyRecord` keeps a null player (`[CanBeNull]`). `ChampionTitle` needs both a context and a player constructor because the generator resolves the rule against the containing type but emits the call with the parent field; a comment in the file records this.
## Wire format
Unchanged. No version bumps except `BaseVendor` 1 to 2 (which now writes nothing of its own). Schema diffs are rule-argument only (`DeserializationRequiresParent`).
## Testing
Server.Tests 848 passed, UOContent.Tests 759 passed.
## Summary
Folds **113** hand-written `[SerializableProperty]` members into plain `[SerializableField]` declarations using the v4 setter hooks — value coercion/vetoes via `allowFieldChange`, post-change side effects via `fieldChanged` (whose `oldValue` parameter covers the old-house/old-sender unsubscribe patterns). Net **-450 lines** of setter boilerplate.
```cs
// before
[SerializableProperty(1)]
[CommandProperty(AccessLevel.GameMaster)]
public int Charges
{
get => _charges;
set
{
_charges = Math.Clamp(value, 0, MaxCharges);
InvalidateProperties();
this.MarkDirty();
}
}
// after
[SerializableField(1, allowFieldChange: nameof(AllowChargesChange))]
[SerializedCommandProperty(AccessLevel.GameMaster)]
[InvalidateProperties]
private int _charges;
private bool AllowChargesChange(ref int value)
{
value = Math.Clamp(value, 0, MaxCharges);
return true;
}
```
## How sites were selected
A classifier parsed all 204 `[SerializableProperty]` sites and converted only those matching strict shapes: getter is exactly `get => _field;`, the assignment comes first (after at most an equality guard), and relocated side effects contain no `return`, no `value` mutation, and no field re-assignment. Everything else was left alone deliberately:
- **~34 custom getters** (fallback defaults like `_x == -1 ? Default : _x`, self-healing refs) — no setter hook can express these.
- **~35 pre-assignment logic** (durability Unscale/Scale sandwiches, old-state captures like PotionKeg's pile weight).
- **virtual/override members, name-mismatched backing fields (`m_`), exotic semantics** (guards' `Focus` does work on *equal* assignment; `ChampionSpawn.Active` never assigns its field).
Five sites the classifier refused were converted by hand where the hooks fit cleanly: `ReceiverCrystal.Sender`, `PlayerVendor.House`, `PlayerBarkeeper.House` (old-value unsubscribe via `oldValue`), `BaseSuit.AccessLevel` (its existing virtual `OnAccessLevelChanged` already had the exact callback shape), and `DyeTub.DyedHue` (a true veto: `AllowDyedHueChange(ref int value) => _redyable`).
## Verification
- Build: **0 errors, 0 warnings**.
- **Schema regeneration produces zero Migrations changes** — the conversion is wire- and schema-neutral by construction (same orders, types, and property names), and CI's schema diff check enforces it.
- **835 + 708 tests green.**
## Behavioral notes (all strict improvements, called out for review)
- Generated setters skip everything when the incoming value equals the current one; a few converted setters previously re-ran side effects on equal assignment (redundant `Update()`-style refreshes).
- Generated setters always `MarkDirty()` on change; several converted setters never did (e.g. `DyeTub.DyedHue`, `MorphItem` ranges) — their changes only persisted if something else dirtied the entity. Those latent persistence bugs are fixed by construction.
## Summary
Converts `HouseRaffleManagementGump` from legacy `Gump` to `DynamicGump` with the static `DisplayTo` entry-point pattern.
The gump has paginated entries (up to 10 rows per page), conditional prev/next navigation buttons (vs. inactive image when at page boundary), and per-entry conditional layout (account-bearing vs. raw name). DynamicGump is the right choice.
Constructor is private; `DisplayTo` validates `from` / `NetState` / `stone.Deleted` before constructing. The list+sort runs eagerly in `DisplayTo` so paging math stays consistent across rebuilds.
Builder labels use `$"{value}"` interpolated-string-handler form for zero-allocation text.
Updates the caller in `HouseRaffleStone.ManagementEntry.OnClick`.
## Summary
Migrates 10 player-facing legacy `Gump` subclasses for holiday and decorative items to the modern `DynamicGump` / `StaticGump<T>` system. All migrated gumps are `Singleton`, use private constructors gated by static `DisplayTo(...)` entry points (empty-gump rule, CLAUDE.md §13), and replace legacy `m_X` fields with `_x` per coding standards.
Per-gump base type and rationale:
- **Mistletoe.cs** — `MistletoeAddonGump` -> `StaticGump<MistletoeAddonGump>`. Fixed re-deed confirmation layout.
- **StValentinesBears.cs** — Renamed `InternalGump` -> `StValentinesBearsGump`, base `StaticGump<T>`. Fixed sign-bear layout with three text entries; legacy `m_Bear` -> `_bear`. Switched legacy `AddTextEntry(..., size)` -> `AddTextEntryLimited(...)` (modern API split).
- **Wreath.cs** — `WreathAddonGump` -> `StaticGump<WreathAddonGump>`. Fixed re-deed confirmation layout.
- **HolidayPottedPlant.cs** — Renamed `InternalGump` -> `HolidayPottedPlantGump`, base `StaticGump<T>`. Fixed plant-picker layout.
- **SnowStatue.cs** — Renamed `InternalGump` -> `SnowStatueGump`, base `StaticGump<T>`. Fixed statue-picker layout. Dropped unused `Mobile from` ctor arg.
- **TapestryOfSosaria.cs** — Renamed `InternalGump` -> `TapestryOfSosariaGump`, base `StaticGump<T>`. Single image, fixed.
- **HouseRaffleDeed.cs** — `WritOfLeaseGump` -> `DynamicGump`. Description HTML is computed per-instance from deed expiration / days-left, so layout text varies per instance. Added `Singleton => true` (was missing implicitly via legacy default).
- **SpecialScroll.cs** — Renamed `InternalGump` -> `SpecialScrollGump`, base `DynamicGump`. **Cliloc rule**: `_scroll.Message`, `_scroll.Title`, `_scroll.SkillLabel` are dynamic cliloc numbers per scroll type — `AddHtmlLocalized` bakes the cliloc number into the cached layout, so `StaticGump<T>` cannot cache it.
- **BallotBox.cs** — Renamed `InternalGump` -> `BallotBoxGump`, base `DynamicGump`. Layout shape varies: variable topic-line count, owner-vs-voter buttons, and vote-tally bars all add/remove elements. Legacy `m_Box` -> `_box`. Updated the `TopicPrompt` callbacks to call `BallotBoxGump.DisplayTo(...)` instead of allocating a new gump directly.
- **AquariumGump.cs** — `AquariumGump` -> `DynamicGump`. Per-page layout depends on each item's `LabelNumber` and (for `BaseFish`) `GetDescription()` cliloc — those vary per fish/decoration. Two `DisplayTo` overloads (auto-detect access vs explicit edit flag) to mirror the original two call sites in `Aquarium.cs`. Legacy `m_Aquarium` -> `_aquarium`.
### Skipped
- **HouseRaffleManagementGump.cs** — Skipped as **staff-only**. Only invoked via `ManagementEntry` context entry inside `HouseRaffleStone.cs`, gated by `from.AccessLevel >= AccessLevel.Seer`. Per task instructions, staff-only gumps are out of scope for this PR.
### External callers updated
- `Aquarium.cs` — Two `new AquariumGump(...)` sites swapped to `AquariumGump.DisplayTo(...)`.
All other migrated inner classes were nested in the same file and only had local references, which were updated to call the new `DisplayTo(...)` static entry point.
## Summary
- **Add a self-referencing `InterpolationHandler` to `ValueStringBuilder`** that writes directly into the builder's buffer — zero intermediate allocation, works with `stackalloc`-backed builders
- **Replace all `System.Text.StringBuilder` usage** across the codebase with `ValueStringBuilder`
- **Convert `ValueStringBuilder.Create()` to `stackalloc`** at 10 sites where output length is provably bounded
- **Convert manual `Dispose()` to `using var`** where possible, and hoist loop-scoped builders outside loops with `Reset()`
- **Convert verbose `Append()` chains to `Append($"...")`** interpolation for readability
- **Add comprehensive documentation** for string handling patterns
## InterpolationHandler Design
`ValueStringBuilder` is a `ref struct`, which creates challenges for C#'s interpolated string handler pattern:
- **`ref` fields to ref structs are not allowed** (CS9050)
- **`[InterpolatedStringHandlerArgument("")]` passes struct receivers by value**, not by ref
- **`ISelfInterpolatedStringHandler` requires boxing** ref structs into interface fields
**Solution: Copy-and-reconcile pattern.** The handler receives a value copy of the builder. The copy shares the same underlying `char` buffer (`Span` points to the same `stackalloc`/pooled memory), so writes go to the original buffer. `Append()` reconciles by `this = handler._builder`, updating `_length` and any buffer references changed by `Grow()`.
This is safe because:
- The game loop is single-threaded — no concurrent access between handler construction and reconciliation
- If `Grow()` occurs in the copy, the original's stale buffer isn't accessed until `Append()` replaces it
- `Dispose()` correctly returns the reconciled buffer to the pool
## Changes by Category
### ValueStringBuilder (`Projects/Server/Buffers/ValueStringBuilder.cs`)
- Added nested `InterpolationHandler` ref struct with copy-and-reconcile pattern
- Added `Append([InterpolatedStringHandlerArgument("")] scoped ref InterpolationHandler)` method
- Removed `RawInterpolatedStringHandler` overloads (new handler replaces them)
- All `AppendFormatted` overloads delegate to existing `Append` methods (no code duplication)
- Alignment support via direct private field access (nested type privilege)
### StringBuilder → ValueStringBuilder (15 files)
Replaced all `new StringBuilder()` with `ValueStringBuilder.Create()` or `stackalloc`:
- ConPVP games: KingOfTheHill, DoubleDom, CTF, BombingRun, TourneyMatch
- ConPVP infrastructure: Tournament, Participant, TourneyParticipant
- ConPVP gumps: ArenaGump, TournamentBracketGump, AcceptTeamGump, ConfirmSignupGump
- Commands: Handlers, Logging, Add
- Other: TownCrier, SpeechLogGump, TestCenter
Key patterns:
- `sb = new StringBuilder()` reassignment → `sb.Reset()`
- `sb.AppendFormat("{0:N0}", value)` → `sb.Append($"{value:N0}")`
- `sb.Append(x).Append(y)` chains → separate statements (VSB returns void)
### Create() → stackalloc (10 files)
Converted heap-allocated builders to stackalloc where output is bounded:
- ClientVersion (32), MapSelection (160), HouseRaffleStone (48)
- HolySense (96), UnholySense (96), ClientVerification (192)
- AcceptTeamGump (64), ConfirmSignupGump (64)
- BaseWeapon (160), BaseArmor (128)
### Loop optimizations (2 files)
Hoisted `ValueStringBuilder` creation outside loops with `Reset()` per iteration:
- TourneyMatch.cs: `using var` inside for loop → stackalloc before loop
- ArenaGump.cs: `Create()` + `Dispose()` per iteration → stackalloc before loop
### Append chain → interpolation (5 files)
Converted multi-line `Append()` chains to `Append($"...")`:
- BountyMessage.cs: title switch (6 cases), paragraph (15→1 Append), description lines, closing
- AcceptTeamGump, ConfirmSignupGump, TournamentBracketGump: tournament type strings
- AdminGump: comment/tag formatting in loops
### Documentation
- `dev-docs/string-handling.md`: Full reference — construction, interpolation, disposal, decision guide
- `dev-docs/claude-skills/modernuo-string-handling.md`: Claude skill with quick reference
- `CLAUDE.md`: Added rule 17 (no StringBuilder), dev-docs table entry, skills table entry
- `dev-docs/code-standards.md`: Updated memory management section
## Test Plan
- [x] `dotnet build` — 0 errors, 0 warnings
- [x] `dotnet test` — 940/940 tests pass
- [x] 28 ValueStringBuilder tests covering all reconciliation scenarios:
- Stackalloc no-grow, stackalloc with grow (→pool transition)
- Heap no-grow, heap with grow, heap double grow
- Pre-existing content with and without grow
- Sequential multiple `Append($"...")` calls
- Mixed plain + interpolated Append
- Empty interpolation, literal-only, format specifiers
- Null string holes, ISpanFormattable types
- Dispose after stackalloc→pool grow
> [!IMPORTANT]
> **Developer Note**
> THIS IS A BREAKING CHANGE TO THE NEW API GUMP.
> Please give us feedback in [discord ](https://muo.gg/discord) if you have issues, need help, or have ideas for a better API change!
### Summary
* Adds support for size/style to dynamic/static builder.
* Drastically simplifies the dynamic/static builder api for AddHtml.
* Cleans up some legacy gump files.
> [!Important]
> **Developer Note**
> This code change will **completely move gumps out of the core**
### Summary
- Adds `GetGumps()` convenience which exposes methods to Find/Close/Send multiple gumps. This helper is a performance improvement by eliminating the Dictionary<Player, List> lookup for gumps.
## Summary
- Removes allocation of a `List<ContextMenuEntry>` every time a context menu is created.
- Moves packet/context menu creation logic out of the core
- Fixes tame entry
## BREAKING CHANGE
> [!Important]
> **Developer Note**
> ```cs
> public virtual void GetContextMenuEntries(Mobile from, List<ContextMenuEntry> list)
> ```
> and similar functions changed to
> ```cs
> public virtual void GetContextMenuEntries(Mobile from, ref PooledRefList<ContextMenuEntry> list)
> ```
### Summary
* Adds `StaticNoticeGump<T>` and `StaticWarningGump<T>`
* Converts NoticeGump/WarningGump to use `DynamicGump`
* Changes various uses of notice gump and warning gump to their static counterpart.
## Breaking Changes
* The Firewall and IP Limiter have been rewritten. Please read the notes carefully!
* `TcpServer.Instances` moved back to `NetState.Instances` - sorry - it was stupid to move it to begin with.
> [!Note]
> Sockets that fail the IP Limiter or Firewall will be immediately and forcibly disconnected.
> This means they will be stuck at "Verifying account..." if it was a real client.
### Summary
- Removes firewall wildcard support.
- Removes `AccessRestrictions`.
- Moves Firewall/IPLimiter to the core.
- Moves `TcpServer` to its own thread.
- Removes the `SocketConnect` and `SocketDisconnect` event sinks.
- Moves `Instances` back to `NetState.Instances`.
- Fixes a long standing bug with bad handling of duplicate listener addresses.
#### Firewall
The firewall has been completely rewritten. There is now an "Admin Firewall" which saves to the config file. Secondarily, there is an internal firewall used exclusively by the TcpServer while processing sockets. The Admin firewall mirrors it's additions/deletions to the internal firewall by adding requests to a queue.
> [!IMPORTANT]
> **Wildcard firewall entries, such as `X`, `*`, `?` are not allowed.**
> **Ranges in between IP classes or sextets are not allowed.**
> **Please make sure to use one of the following:**
> * IP Address - `192.168.1.1`
> * CIDR - `192.168.1.0/24`
> * Range - `192.168.1.1-192.168.1.100`
#### IP Limiter
The IP Limiter has been completely rewritten. The available configurations are:
```json
"ipLimiter.enable": "True",
"ipLimiter.maxConnectionsPerIP": 10,
"ipLimiter.clearConnectionAttemptsDuration": "00:00:00:10",
"ipLimiter.clearThrottledDuration": "00:00:02:00",
```
The IP Limiter is set up to prevent spamming connections from the same IP. Every time an IP connects, it is added to a connection list. After 10 attempts, the IP is added to the throttle list. To keep the system fast, the connection list is entirely wiped every 10 seconds, and the throttle list is entirely wiped every 2 minutes.
### Summary
- Fixes issues with non-_ISerializable_ objects having bad serialization (Skill/Stat. Mods)
- Fixes issues with MarkDirty and namespaces: https://github.com/modernuo/SerializationGenerator/issues/29
- Fixes missing dirty tracking for some data structures.
- Fixes cascading MarkDirty for non-serializable types that have owners that are also non-serializable types.
### New Codegenned API
When a data structure (Array, List, Dictionary, HashSet, etc) is source generated for serialization, new methods are added which will handle dirty tracking. Use these instead of the built in methods for that data structure.
_All Data Structures_
```cs
public void Clear<PropertyName>();
```
_Lists and Sets_
```cs
public void AddTo<PropertyName>(V value);
public void RemoveFrom<PropertyName>(V value);
```
_Lists_
```cs
public void InsertInto<PropertyName>(int index, V value);
public void RemoveFrom<PropertyName>At(int index);
```
_Dictionaries_
```cs
public void AddTo<PropertyName>(T key, V value);
public void RemoveFrom<PropertyName>(T key);
public void ReplaceIn<PropertyName>(T key, V value);
```
Over time, they will be cleaned up and more variants added such as `bool RemoveFrom<PropertyName>(T key, out V value)`
### Summary
- [X] Fixes 4 TormentedMinotaur created at `(0, 0, 0) [null]` when `[add` is used.
- [X] Fixes client crash from a bug in HouseRaffleStone when `[add` is used.
Recommend viewing with [_whitespace disabled_](https://github.com/modernuo/ModernUO/pull/1404/files?diff=split&w=1)
## Changes
- [X] Adds OPL convenience methods
- `opl.Add(cliloc, value)` and `opl.Add(value)` - value as an integer or string works just like `opl.Add(cliloc, $"{value}")`
- `opl.AddLocalized(cliloc, clilocValue)` - works the same as `opl.Add(cliloc, $"#{clilocValue}");`
- [X] Simplifies basic `list.Add()` situations
- [X] Changes cliloc as an argument so it works with custom IPropertyList implementations (HTML)
- [X] Fixes plants so they support the old localization and new (changed in 7.0.12.0+)
- [X] Exposes more methods to override for Item to make creating custom OPL possible.
## Important Notes
* Using a ternary as an argument, like this `opl.Add(number, showType ? $"{type}\t{value}" : $"{value}");` _will not use the correct string interpolation_. This means if you use a custom PropertyList (for HTML or some other purpose), the property list won't be localized properly.
* All localization values must be interpolated, even if they are literal strings, or integers. Example: `opl.Add(number, $"{"Charges"}\t{m_Charges}");` is correct. Using the following: `$"Charges\t{m_Charges}"` will not work for custom PropertyList implementations!
## Breaking Changes (New API)
ObjectPropertyList supports the following API:
```cs
list.Add(500000);
list.Add(500001, stringArgument);
list.Add("Some text");
list.Add($"Some text with {argument}");
list.Add(500002, $"{arg1}\t{arg2}");
```
## Notes
1. All API uses that require a formatter like this:
```cs
list.Add(500002, "{0}\t{1}", arg1, arg2);
```
Should be changed to use string interpolation, for example:
```cs
list.Add(500002, $"{arg1}\t{arg2}");
```
2. The following paradigm should no longer be used:
```cs
list.Add(1061170, prop.ToString()); // strength requirement ~1_val~
```
The new string interpolation API will avoid having to convert the argument to a string before writing it to the packet. Instead use the following:
```cs
list.Add(1061170, $"{prop}"); // strength requirement ~1_val~
```
### Benchmarks
```cs
| Method | Mean | Error | StdDev | Gen 0 | Allocated |
|------------------------------- |---------:|--------:|--------:|-------:|----------:|
| BenchmarkOldOPL | 241.0 ns | 0.56 ns | 0.47 ns | 0.0105 | 88 B |
| BenchmarkStringInterpolatedOPL | 199.9 ns | 2.44 ns | 2.39 ns | - | - |
```
### Changes
- [X] Removes crash in STArray.Return when array is null.
- [X] Fixes NPE in OPL when entity is null. Serial in packet will be 0 when entity is null.
- [X] Fixes NPE in AosAttributes when Parent is null.
- [X] Changes OPL to use string interpolation.
- [X] Introduces `IPropertyList` to allow extending PropertyList for other uses.
* Fixes pooled timer leaking
* Fixes `[dumptimers` command so it outputs properly, adds spacing, and stacktraces
* Adds `[Tidy]` for serializing Lists. This will remove deleted entities during world save before serializing the list.
* Adds helpers for managing Lists/Sets/Dictionaries
### New API
```cs
// Creates the list if it is null, then adds
Utility.Add(ref list, value);
Utility.Add(ref set, value);
Utility.Add(ref dict, key, value);
// Nulls the variable if the count is zero
Utility.Remove(ref list, value);
Utility.Remove(ref set, value);
Utility.Remove(ref dict, key);
// Marks entity as dirty in addition to doing the action
entity.Add(list, value);
// Marks entity as dirty, and will create list if it doesn't exist
entity.Add(ref list, value);
// Marks entity as dirty in addition to doing the action
entity.Remove(list, value);
// Marks entity as dirty, and will null the list count is zero
entity.Remove(ref list, value);
```
### Updates to [dumptimers
<img width="825" alt="Screen Shot 2021-08-14 at 2 55 10 AM" src="https://user-images.githubusercontent.com/3953314/129442449-ccf7fe14-29d6-4f3f-9366-c8eb7b9828a7.png">
### Changes/Fixes:
* Adds timer pooling.
* Allows pool to be configurable in ModernUO.json
* Pool replenishes itself asynchronously if depleted.
* Fixes an issue with barkeeps and town criers
* Fixes an issue with incognito buff icons not being removed
* Fixes an issue with polymorph name mod not being removed
* Fixes several places where timers go on forever even after an object is deleted, keeping a reference (memory leak)
* Eliminates the timer for MiningCart altogether.
* Deletes `AcidSlime` since it is a duplicate of `PoolOfAcid`
* Fixes HonorableExecution and standardizes the code for other Bushido moves.
## Changes to the Timer API:
```cs
public class Timer
{
// Creates a timer that will be returned to the pool once execution stops.
public static void StartTimer(Action callback);
public static void StartTimer(TimeSpan delay, Action callback);
public static void StartTimer(TimeSpan delay, TimeSpan interval, Action callback);
public static void StartTimer(TimeSpan interval, int count, Action callback);
public static void StartTimer(TimeSpan delay, TimeSpan interval, int count, Action callback);
// Creates a timer and returns a token for more control. Requires manual cancellation in order for the timer to be returned to the pool.
// If the token is dereferenced, the timer will be dereferenced too. While not returning a timer to the pool is not considered hazardous, it does defeat the purpose of pooled timers.
public static void StartTimer(Action callback, out TimerExecutionToken token);
public static void StartTimer(TimeSpan delay, Action callback, out TimerExecutionToken token);
public static void StartTimer(TimeSpan delay, TimeSpan interval, Action callback, out TimerExecutionToken token);
public static void StartTimer(TimeSpan interval, int count, Action callback, out TimerExecutionToken token);
public static void StartTimer(TimeSpan delay, TimeSpan interval, int count, Action callback, out TimerExecutionToken token);
// If you aren't sure how to use the API above, or you don't care about performance, then you can use the old RunUO Timer.DelayCall
public static DelayCallTimer DelayCall(Action callback);
public static DelayCallTimer DelayCall(TimeSpan delay, Action callback);
public static DelayCallTimer DelayCall(TimeSpan delay, TimeSpan interval, Action callback);
public static DelayCallTimer DelayCall(TimeSpan interval, int count, Action callback);
public static DelayCallTimer DelayCall(TimeSpan delay, TimeSpan interval, int count, Action callback);
}
public struct TimerExecutionToken
{
public bool Running { get; }
public int Index { get; }
public int RemainingCount { get; }
public DateTime Next { get; }
}
```
## When to use `TimerExecutionToken`?
Use tokens when you want to gain the performance benefit of using a pooled timer, but you need one of the following:
* Access to the next time the timer will tick:`token.Next`
* Access to which interval, how many intervals there are, or how many are remaining: `token.Index`, `token.Count`, and `token.RemainingCount`
* Stop a timer manually.
* Determine if the timer is running: `timer.Running`
* See notes below about requirements for using tokens!
## Notes about using the TimerExecutionToken:
When you opt-in to receive a token, you must call `Cancel()` to return the timer. This can be done inside of the callback, or outside of the callback at any time.
If this is not called and your timer is an infinite interval, then you will create a potential memory leak, or null pointer exception in your callback.
If the timer ends and is stopped, but cancel is not called, then the timer will never return to the pool and stay referenced until the token is deleted or cancel is called. (Memory leak)
## Is this thread safe?
No. The ModernUO timer system is not thread safe at all. If you require a thread safe timer system, contact me and I'll help adapt this system. Keep in mind that there is a massive performance hit to make this thread safe when there are literally no use cases for it.
If you need to synchronize execution, meaning you want to execute code from another thread on the core thread. Let's say you have a discord bot that is pushing commands to the game server. Then use `EventLoopContext.Post(SendOrPostCallback callback, object state);`.
- [X] Caches DateTime.NowUtc on the game loop (not other threads)
- [X] Replaces all locations where it makes sense
- [X] Adds Min/Max for `IComparable` (TimeSpan, DateTimes, etc)
Closes#261
- [X] Fixes an issue where a buffer smaller than 8 bytes would not double with enough space in some cases.
- [X] Fixes an issue with dupe copying the savebuffer reference (ugh).
- [X] Streamlines the IGenericWriter API to use better generics.
- [X] Streamlines the IGenericReader API to use better generics.
- [X] Forces `tidying` of a List/HashSet to be done externally since Writers/Readers should not have side effects.
- [X] Fixes an issue where Tidying a list didn't TrimExcess, causing memory leaks.
- [X] Reverted the meaning of `World.Running` to specifically refer to any world state post world loading.
- NOTE: Do not use this if you want to block on world saves. Instead use checks against `WorldState.Saving` states.
- [X] Fixes an issue with serializing negative DateTime deltas.
- [X] Fixes a potential issue with serializing non-UTC DateTime.
Bumps release version
- [X] Removes some string allocations (e.g. split)
- [X] Optimizes some collections
- [X] Converts insensitive to extension methods of built-ins.
- [X] Adds ordinal (case sensitive) string helpers
- [X] Fixes conditionals for in-game commands so they use Ordinal comparisons.
- [X] Replaces ToLower.Contains with InsensitiveContains
- [X] Adds ValueStringBuilder
- [X] Implements ValueStringBuilder in a few places where it makes sense
- [X] Removes the redundant Wrap function and replaces it with an optimized version
- [X] Fixes list conversions in Utility
Closes#351
Bumps release version
