Time-activated PHP scripts...

Anon

Ok, here's a nightmare and a half:

We have the need to automatically generate PHP-based text-file reports for a client at specific time intervals (once a week on a given day and time).

The PHP code itself delves into our database(mySQL), pulls out some exception records, and then dumps these into a text file which we attach to an e-mail and send out.

Can we get a PHP script to recognize time? Or would I have to make some horrendous javascript program that will check time and then feed a header line to the screen that will redirect the browser to the script page (which, when the email was sent, would redirect itself to the javascript page) at given intervals?

Or do I have to delve into the world of Linux shell scripting and write some custom thing that will activate the script based on system time (if that is even possible)?

A little help would be great!

Anon

Your best bet probably would be using cron to run your php scripts; providing you have a binary copy of php available...

daynah

If the script is web-based, can't you use a cron job that uses lynx file.php ? I've been wondering about this, haven't tried it yet though.

sarahk

have the page that runs it relatively hidden and have some server somewhere with an automated task to open a brower and call the page.

the page doesn't need to be submitted, it has all it's info, the output would include a javascript to automatically close.

the only trace it had happened at all is that the email is sent and few server log files.

This could be achieved on any pc from win95 on as well as the other suggestions. The only thing to check is that the batch routine doesn't need to run during standard down - eg for backups.

Anon

I've used a cron activated lynx ran PHP script before. It works fine. Not ideal, but it works.

Anon

Sarah,

I opted to go with your route, as we have a Windows NT server with the dreaded windows Scheduler program set up here in the building that only I and like two others have access to. I have a scheduled task that called IE and opens up the URL to the PHP script, and I then put in JS to close the browser window when the script was complete, just like you suggested.

I was going to try Cron, but I prefered this route as it was the simplest (at least for me, as I am not an admin on the Linux box we have and our Admin is S-L-O-O-W-W-W). Thanks everyone for the suggestions.

SARAH: If I have a third daughter, I will name her Sarah in your honour!