timer inconsistencies

[Jimmt]

So, I use javax.swing.timer quite a bit, and I've noticed that the time inbetween iterations varies quite a bit. When I start up my IDE, the first time I run it everything goes hella fast. Then, after that, it's way too slow.

Any way to regulate this?

Note: the inconsistencies aren't consistent, either.

[Z-Man]

Yes. Don't use Timer it's horridly inaccurate for gamedev.

[Jimmt]

ok...
what should I use, then?

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[Z-Man]

Well, what are you using Timer for?

[Jimmt]

Movement of sprites, other stuff.

[Z-Man]

So, your using it as your gameloop? Read this

[Jimmt]

No, not really, I have a timer called moveTimer in my Enemy class (separate from my gameloop)
I'm too good with class architecture and whatnot, never took any lessons
I'll move it to the gameloop, then

[Z-Man]

Normally game loops consist of getting input, updating, and rendering. For my games I get input, then I update all the sprites and the user (which usually consists of moving them), and then I render. I don't know how your Enemy (or your game) works so I don't know if that applies to you or not. Timer just isn't very accurate, as you've noticed.

[StumpyStrust]

wouldn't you want to update first? So then the rendering properly represents where everything is? I know people probably could not tell the difference but I am just wondering if there is some other reason.

[Z-Man]

Whoops, your right. My mistake x)