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

You can avoid a global or lesser variable by using a property within the function. This works well if the function is only used for this specific context.

function set_time_out( id, code, time ) /// wrapper
{
  if(typeof this.timeout_handles == 'undefined') this.timeout_handles = [];

        if( id in this.timeout_handles )
        {
                clearTimeout( this.timeout_handles[id] )
        }

        this.timeout_handles[id] = setTimeout( code, time )
}