# Delay Node

> Pauses the agent's execution flow for a specified duration to introduce timing control, rate limiting, or simulate user wait times.

**URL:** https://caywork.com/learn/docs/node/delay-node

## Content

The **Delay Node** introduces timed pauses into your agent's execution flow. It temporarily suspends execution for a specified number of seconds before releasing the flow to the next node.

## Configuration

Setting up a Delay Node is simple and requires only a single parameter:

### Parameters
* **Delay (seconds)**: A numerical input defining how long (in seconds) the flow should pause. The maximum allowed delay is **300 seconds (5 minutes)**.

## Port Connections (Handles)

The Delay Node fits seamlessly into any standard linear flow:

* **Input (`nodeInputConnect`)**: Standard input handle on the left to connect preceding nodes.
* **Output (`outputConnect`)**: Standard output handle on the right. Once the configured delay timer expires, the flow automatically resumes and proceeds to the next connected node.

## Practical Use Cases

1. **API Rate Limiting**: Place a Delay Node inside a loop sequence to introduce a gap (e.g., 2 seconds) between successive requests to respect external API rate limits or avoid getting blocked.
2. **Simulating Natural Interactions**: In chat-based agents, introduce a short delay (e.g., 1–3 seconds) before responding to simulate "thinking" time, creating a more comfortable, human-like interaction for users.
3. **Asynchronous Waiting**: Coordinate execution with external systems. If an external job is triggered, use a Delay Node to wait a reasonable duration before querying for the result.