Optimizing GitHub Sync Frequency for devlog-ist/landing

#go #github #optimization

Introduction

The devlog-ist/landing project benefits from regular synchronization with GitHub to reflect the latest activity. However, an overly aggressive sync schedule can waste resources and exceed GitHub API quotas. This post details a decision to reduce the sync frequency for improved efficiency.

The Problem

The original configuration synced with GitHub every 5 minutes. Given that the sync operation already covered the last 24 hours of activity, this frequent polling proved redundant. The rapid sync consumed unnecessary GitHub API quota without providing significant value.

The Solution

The sync frequency was reduced from every 5 minutes to twice daily. This change significantly decreases API usage while still ensuring timely updates for the landing page.

Implementation

The change involved adjusting the scheduler configuration. Here's a conceptual example of how this might be implemented in Go using a hypothetical scheduler:

package main

import (
    "fmt"
    "time"
)

func syncGitHub() {
    fmt.Println("Syncing with GitHub...")
    // Simulate GitHub sync operation
    time.Sleep(1 * time.Second)
    fmt.Println("GitHub sync complete.")
}

func main() {
    // Schedule syncGitHub to run twice a day (example times: 08:00 and 20:00)
    now := time.Now()
    firstSync := time.Date(now.Year(), now.Month(), now.Day(), 8, 0, 0, 0, now.Location())
    secondSync := time.Date(now.Year(), now.Month(), now.Day(), 20, 0, 0, 0, now.Location())

    // If the time has passed, schedule for tomorrow
    if firstSync.Before(now) {
        firstSync = firstSync.Add(24 * time.Hour)
    }

     if secondSync.Before(now) {
        secondSync = secondSync.Add(24 * time.Hour)
    }

    // Calculate the duration until the next sync
    firstDuration := firstSync.Sub(now)
    secondDuration := secondSync.Sub(now)

    fmt.Printf("Next sync scheduled in %s and %s\n", firstDuration, secondDuration)

    // Simulate running the scheduler
    // In a real application, you'd use a proper scheduling library
    select {
    case <-time.After(firstDuration):
        fmt.Println("First sync running...")
        syncGitHub()
    case <-time.After(secondDuration):
        fmt.Println("Second sync running...")
        syncGitHub()
    }


    fmt.Println("Scheduler finished.")
}

Results

Reduced GitHub API quota consumption.
Maintained timely updates of activity on the landing page.
Simplified scheduler configuration.

Conclusion

Adjusting the frequency of background tasks is crucial for optimizing resource utilization. By reducing the GitHub sync frequency, the devlog-ist/landing project achieves a better balance between keeping data fresh and conserving API resources. Evaluate your own scheduled tasks and consider whether their frequency aligns with their actual value.

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