8

I was able to answer this question AFTER it was closed.

closed as subjective and argumentative by 280Z28, Kirtan, Greg, Neil Butterworth, AraK 13 mins ago

And

answered 12 mins ago smok1 1,775●1●13

Ok, I started answering before this question was closed. Don't you think it would be nice to have an ability to inform user that question for which he is now writing an answer was closed in meantime?

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  • 3
    I personally think that answers already being composed should be allowed. When you're taking your time to write an answer it is very upsetting when the question is closed from underneath you. – CashCow Dec 5 '12 at 11:10
5

The notification does exist, but I believe the check for new answers etc is done on a polling basis, e.g. once per minute. (I haven't checked what the actual timing is.) It's quite feasible for you to have posted your answer before your browser did the next poll.

EDIT: It's not clear to me whether that's still the case - I think it's on a more "push" basis these days. I could be wrong though.

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  • So this is a client-based detection? What is the server grace period? – nanofarad Oct 17 '13 at 18:38
  • @hexafraction: This answer is over 4 years old. I think it's now all cunning web sockets etc. – Jon Skeet Oct 17 '13 at 20:40
  • Yet I still had this happen today to me. – nanofarad Oct 17 '13 at 20:41
7

You should have gotten the same notification that pops up when you've been gunned down in a Fastest Gun in the West quick draw, McGraw.

Maybe you were able to hit the post button just before it was closing or on the edge.

Looking at the times:

Close time:  08:43:25
Your answer: 08:44:50

That's quite the shave.

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  • 2
    The notification does not work all the time. Could be the issue here. – Ladybug Killer Aug 19 '09 at 9:25
  • Or he could have gotten in just before the next cycle of polling disappointment. – random Aug 19 '09 at 9:26
  • this is correct; there is a topbar notification for both NEW ANSWERS and also QUESTION CLOSED – Jeff Atwood Aug 19 '09 at 9:54

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