Learning Linux Shell Scripting - Second Edition

Understanding crontab

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 ...