If we need to run a specific task repetitively, then the solution is to use crontab. The syntax of the command is as follows:
$ crontab -e
This will open a new editor. The following diagram is the syntax to add tasks. The fields to use for repeating tasks at a particular time are explained here:
Finally, to save the jobs, use the following:
Press Esc then type :wq
The preceding operations will save the job and quit crontab.
The following are a few examples of the crontab command:
- Use the following command to run a script every hour at the fifth minute, every day:
5 * * * * $HOME/bin/daily.job >> $HOME/tmp/out 2>&1
- Use the following command to run 5 minutes after midnight every day:
5 0 * * * $HOME/bin/daily.job ...
