Cron Job Manager


Unix uses a utility called cron to run user-created scripts at certain intervals. Crons can be invaluable for performing regular tasks associated with your website. For example, you could write a script that backs-up your MySQL database, then run it every Sunday at 2 a.m., or you could write a script to email invoices to all of your clients, and set it to run daily at 5 p.m.

Cron Job Manager is designed to make scheduling cron processing simple and painless. By default, the run-time of each entry in the Cron Job Manager will be displayed in an easy-to-read format. However, when the scheduling particulars are complex, the entry may only be viewable in Advanced mode. When viewing the entries in Advanced mode, you will see exactly how they are formatted to be read with Cron.

Note: This chapter explains how to use the Cron Job Manager to schedule cron jobs; it does not provide instructions on how to author the scripts you can run.

To access the Cron Job Manager:

Click the Cron Manager icon in your Control Panel.

Using Cron Job Manager

To add a cron job:

1. Click on Add New Entry. 

2. A form will be displayed with the following fields:
    

   • Command a unix command containing detailed instructions for the cron. 

   • Description a brief description of what the job does. 

   • Suspended option to suspend the cron job, that is, save it, but manual disable it. 

3. Use the time intervals to determine when the job will run. 

4. Click Apply and the cron job will be enabled.

Cron Job Manager allows you to set up jobs you manage through your email. The output and completion status can be sent to an email address that you specify.

To specify the email address to which the results of your cron job will be mailed:

1. If you have not already entered an address, click the No Address Specified link. Otherwise, click the email address that displays to change it. 

2. Enter your email address when prompted. 

3. Click Apply.

To run a cron job in advanced mode:

Click on Change to Advanced Format.

Changing to the advanced mode shows you the run times in code rather than the times shown in the simple mode.

To cancel a cron job:

In both the simple and advanced modes, you may cancel a cron job by clicking the X under Enabled. This will bring up a confirmation page. Click Remove and the entry will be deleted.