PHP Function Usleep
The php function usleep is an inbuilt function which pauses the script execution for certain number of seconds/microseconds. The function is useful for various purposes such as adding a time delay, simulating real-time task processing and so on.
Unlike the sleep() function which delays the content execution for a fixed number of seconds, the usleep() function is used to delay the contents for a much shorter period of time, that too in microseconds. The usleep() function is only supported for PHP versions 4+ and consumes CPU cycles also when the delay is executed.
The function has only one parameter which is an integer which is used to define the number of microseconds to halt the program execution. The value should not be negative else it will throw an error.
Using this function in your code can help you prevent a timing attack which is a type of computer hacking where the attacker makes use of a small delay to retrieve data. You can add the u/sleep function in your code and let it halt the program for some time so that the attacker will have no chance of grabbing any valuable data. This function is recommended as a method to protect against timing attacks but it is not a foolproof method as the attacker may make a series of attempts. So you should still consider using other methods to protect your scripts from these attacks such as implementing timeouts, incorporating a random delay or using other security measures.