Optimizing Drupal Batch Processing with the "Finished" State

The third article in a series on Drupal's Batch API by Hashbangcode delves into using the "finished" state to control batch processing without predefining the number of operations. This method allows more flexible processing of large data sets, avoiding memory overloads or timeouts common when handling extensive data, such as thousands of nodes. 

Unlike prior examples where batch processes were predefined, the "finished" setting enables dynamic batch runs, reusing the '$context' array to track progress and queue tasks until completion. A practical application discussed involves processing or deleting nodes in manageable chunks, enhancing efficiency by fetching small batches directly from the database instead of loading them all upfront. The article concludes that this method is preferable for extensive batch operations in Drupal, especially when working with large data sets, ensuring stability and reliability. The complete code is available in the Drupal Batch Examples repository for reference.