Run python Script that reruns every 4 hours at system startup

Question

I am fairly new to ubuntu/linux and python so I beg forgiveness in advance. I have a small python script that I typically start in a terminal screen. This script runs a simple task then sets a timer to run the same task again in 4 hours. I want to run this in the background and I also want it to start running when the server boots. I am sure this question has been asked before, but I have not had much luck finding the solution. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Basic cod below.

import os
import datetime
from threading import Timer

x = datetime.datetime.today()

if x.hour+4 > 23
    do some stuff
else
    do other stuff

Function()
    Repeat above stuff

t = Timer(sec, Function)
t.start()

There are less complex methods: 'at' jobs, 'cron' jobs, and systemd timers. — user535733, Feb 03 '20 at 18:40
Based on what I a seeing it would appear that a cron job is what I want. Is there a way to confirm that the job ran? — MikeSmol, Feb 03 '20 at 18:47
Thanks. Sorry for my ignorance. Just getting started in python and linux. — MikeSmol, Feb 03 '20 at 18:49

score 0 · Answer 1 · edited Feb 03 '20 at 19:57

0

For anyone that needs to know, as it was mentioned in the comments I edited the crontab file. I actually only needed it daily, so it was very simple.

crontab -e

On the last line I added:

0 1 * * * python /file_location/file.py

This runs file.py at 1:00 AM.

(minutes) (Hour) (day of month) (day of week) command

edited Feb 03 '20 at 19:57

Melebius

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answered Feb 03 '20 at 19:19

MikeSmol

1

Run python Script that reruns every 4 hours at system startup

1 Answers1