How do you handle multiple instances of setTimeout()?

Question

What is the most recommended/best way to stop multiple instances of a setTimeout function from being created (in javascript)?

An example (psuedo code):

Answer 1

I haven't tested any of this, and just cut this up in the editor here. Might work, might not, hopefully will be food for thought though.

var Timeout = { 
   _timeouts: {}, 
   set: function(name, func, time){ 
     this.clear(name); 
     this._timeouts[name] = {pending: true, func: func}; 
     var tobj = this._timeouts[name];
     tobj.timeout = setTimeout(function()
     { 
/* setTimeout normally passes an accuracy report on some browsers, this just forwards that. */
       tobj.func.call(arguments); 
       tobj.pending = false;
     }, time); 
   },
   hasRun: function(name)
   { 
       if( this._timeouts[name] ) 
       {
          return !this._timeouts[name].pending; 
       }
       return -1; /* Whut? */ 
   },
   runNow: function(name)
   {
      if( this._timeouts[name] && this.hasRun(name)===false )
      {
         this._timeouts[name].func(-1); /* fake time. *shrug* */
         this.clear(name);
      }
   } 
   clear: function(name)
   {
     if( this._timeouts[name] && this._timeouts[name].pending ) 
     {
       clearTimeout(this._timeouts[name].timeout); 
       this._timeouts[name].pending = false; 
     }
   }
};

Timeout.set("doom1", function(){ 
  if(  Timeout.hasRun("doom2") === true )
  {
     alert("OMG, it has teh run");  
  }
}, 2000 ); 
Timeout.set("doom2", function(){ 
   /* NooP! */
}, 1000 ); 

Successive calls with the same identifier will cancel the previous call.