How to write a auto executable script in php?

Question

From the basic of php i know that php needs to have some action/request to execute so i am little confused about how to do it. I know it can be done but don't know how.

I want to write a php script which will run in server every 6 hours and update the database info from an api.

More Info:

The server i am currently working is in linux. But i want to know how i can do it in both linux and windows.

UPDATE:

Cron does not find my script. I don't know where is the problem is. I have used this command in my cpanel

0 */6 * * * php public_html/path_to_dir/file_to_run.php

I have setup the cron so cPanel send me email. The email i am getting is showing some error.

/bin/sh: 0: command not found

Looking forward to your help.

@Pradeep: cron. Has nothing to do with the Greek chronos :-) — Boldewyn
– Boldewyn, Commented May 27, 2011 at 13:05
@Quentin @Fabio M. @Bobby Jack: Update the problem. Please check! — Sisir
– Sisir, Commented Jul 10, 2011 at 10:32
Did you install php5-cli package? Does the file /usr/bin/php exists? — Fabio Mora
– Fabio Mora, Commented Jul 10, 2011 at 11:11

Quentin · Accepted Answer · 2011-05-27 13:03:18Z

6

You need to have something run the script on a timer. This is typically going to be cron (on UNIX based systems such as Linux, OS X, BSD, etc) or Windows Task Schedular (on Windows).

answered May 27, 2011 at 13:03

Quentin

949k136 gold badges1.3k silver badges1.4k bronze badges

Sign up to request clarification or add additional context in comments.

3 Comments

Boldewyn Over a year ago

This said, the timer doesn't need to run on the server, though. If the PHP script is accessible via the Interwebs, any machine with a cronjob defined can call it, for eaxample via cUrl or wget.

Sisir Over a year ago

So, i will need two types of scripts for windows and linux? @Boldewyn: Not sure what you mean :( Can you give any links where i can start?

Quentin Over a year ago

No. One script. You just need to use a different program to run it on a timer. (Although I think you can get cron for Windows)

Bobby Jack · Accepted Answer · 2011-05-27 13:03:00Z

3

You can use crontab to schedule a process in Unix.

answered May 27, 2011 at 13:03

Bobby Jack

16.1k15 gold badges70 silver badges99 bronze badges

1 Comment

psarid Over a year ago

this is the best way to do it - the only thing is you need to make sure your host supports it AND you need to know how to connect to your server using SSH (google the program called Putty)

Fabio Mora · Accepted Answer · 2011-05-27 13:15:03Z

3

I assume that you're using a Linux based S.O.

Install the php5-cli package as root with apt-get install php5-cli (or your pkg manager).
Write and test your script with the PHP CLI, php filename.php.
Login as selected user and set up a crontab using crontab -e
Write the crontab line: * */6 * * * php /full-path/filename.php

/var/log/messages should log the crontab activities.

answered May 27, 2011 at 13:15

Fabio Mora

5,5492 gold badges23 silver badges31 bronze badges

2 Comments

Sisir Over a year ago

Hi, i am using this bit of code for adding the corn job 0 */6 * * * php /full-path/filename.php will it run every 6 hours?

Sisir Over a year ago

Update the problem. Please check!

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

How to write a auto executable script in php?

3 Answers 3

3 Comments

1 Comment

2 Comments

Your Answer

Hot Network Questions

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

3 Answers 3

3 Comments

1 Comment

2 Comments

Your Answer

Sign up or log in

Post as a guest

Related