how do I run php code without users visiting the page? [duplicate]

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Closed 9 years ago.

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Best way to periodically execute a PHP script?

I need to run a php script which continuously collects information from one site, and as soon as that information is collected I need the server to store the information on the database and then update other sites and to continuously repeat the process. The only problem is that I need these php scripts to run without the user visiting the page or even the site for that matter.

Not only this I need the scripts to be running 24/7 or at least run when one site has changed, enabling it to update the others almost instantly. Can anyone suggest what I can do?

Answer 1

You could have your PHP script run as a cron job.

(Of course, you'll need to be able to set up cron jobs on your server)

Answer 2

You are looking for Cron Jobs: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cron

Many hosting providers have an interface that lets you set up jobs. If your provider uses CPanel, then see this page: https://documentation.cpanel.net/display/68Docs/Cron+Jobs

If on Windows, then use Scheduled Tasks.

Answer 3

You have to create daemon using PHP.

Have a look at this http://devlog.info/2010/03/07/creating-daemons-in-php/