Question

I have read many questions here about using mysql in background using php,
and many of them say “use cron jobs”,
but how do I use those?
A Google search didn’t give me much, so that’s why I am asking here…

Answer 1

Provided you’re running Linux (which cron runs on), you would do this:

1. Run crontab -e
2. If it opened in vi, you’ll need to press i before editing. If it opened with nano (it’ll have key combinations on the bottom), you can just start editing
3. Add your cron job (details below)
4. Use Esc then :wq<Enter> to save and quit (vi) or Ctrl+o, Ctrl+x to save and quit (nano)

The links Senouci posted will help you with the details, but here’s an example for running a job at midnight:

0 0 * * * php /path/to/file.php

OR at reboot:

@reboot php /path/to/file.php

Note that this method works only if you have shell access. If you’re using cPanel, use the control panel there, provided it is allowed.