[Resolved] timed script

owaring

is it possible to have a script automatically run its self according to a period of time set in the script,

ie a db backup script that runs every 12 hrs?

TheDefender

There's no pratical way to do it. You'd have to write a MetaRefresh tag and leave the page open all of the time. That makes no sense... So, instead, use a CRON job (if you are on a *nix host).

owaring

ok, but guess whats coming...........

what's a CRON job and how would i go about using one?!!

TheDefender

This site covers the basic idea of what CRON is, what it does, and how it does it. (This page talks about the command-line control of CRON, which is more than you'll need to know if you're using an external web hosting solution.) Most webhosts have a control panel that makes it easier to setup a CRON job, and (if the host knows what they're doing) will help you set one up and in some cases, will do it for you so you don't have to go messing around with it yourself. Definitely check with your host.

owaring

cool, thanks for that,

i have had a fiddle with my host's cpanel and currently recieve an email saying "Hello world this is my cron job test!" every 5 mins!!

(must remember to stop it.)

i run xammp on a windows machine at home, is there a method i can use in that situation?

TheDefender

CRON is a UNIX thing, and as such, Windows does not support it, but... Windows will run scheduled tasks, which you can incorporate running php scripts into and a brief tutorial can be found here. Alternatively, you can use PyCRON or VisualCRON to run CRON styled scheduled tasks in Windows.

owaring

Thanks Defender, yet again you come to my resuce!!

Many thanks.