Background Process?

Crossfire39

I would like to create a script that acts like a background process. Basically once every hour, it will access a website, gather data from it, and write that data to a file on a remote server. The PHP code would be running on this same server. Is this type of non user activated, constantly running code possible?

If it is, could anyone point me in the direction of the function I would use for this? Thank you

banzaimonkey

These are referred to as cron jobs or crontab in Unix.

Basically, you'll want to setup a cron job to run your PHP script, which will go and do the more complicated stuff. The crontab is simply a scheduler.

bradgrafelman

In addition, using a cronjob eliminates the need to have a PHP process constantly running in the background. The PHP script will be called at the specified time and simply needs to carry out its task(s) at that time.

Crossfire39

Thanks for the help. Looking into getting cron jobs for my hosting plan.

But if I cannot persuade them to allow me to use this feature, is there anyway to do this in php?

bradgrafelman

Well... technically yes it's possible, but no it's not a good way of doing it nor very reliable. What if it stops for some reason or another? It can't automatically restart itself, so you'd have to start it again manually (assuming you had some way of finding out that it had stopped).

I think the best route would be to a) tell your host you need a cron job, b) find a host that accomdates cron jobs. The web host I've chosen is very cheap and they have a nice interface for adding cronjobs... no reason to fight a host who falls short of meeting your needs.

Crossfire39

Currently I am using Hostultra Mini Package. It is pretty good for $20 a year but after having a quick email exchange with the support staff I found that cron jobs are not even supported by the mini package server. Could you give me the link/name of the hosting provider you are using?

Actually... since my current website has forums and such on it, if there is a free host that allows for php and cronjobs I would appreciate the name

Thank you

banzaimonkey

Crossfire39 wrote:
Actually... since my current website has forums and such on it, if there is a free host that allows for php and cronjobs I would appreciate the name

Anything that's "free" will have adverts on it, moreso if it offers PHP and such. I'd suggest shelling out a little bit of cash for a low-cost hosting plan. I'd link my webhost, but I think the admin died or something. He hasn't been around in a few weeks. :queasy: Looks like I may be looking for a new host soon, too.

scross

I currently have my website on http://www.bugfield.com/ , which is run solely by Brian Darby, which I know well and trust greatly, and so any support is very personal and he is happy to make changes if you request. Anyway, cPanel is installed and cron jobs are enabled, just a few clicks and you're done, I've made many cron jobs on there myself with ease so I can explain to you anything you need to know. And the price is very low, only $3 per month. If you're interested I'd recommend you contact him using the form on the site.