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Created page with "==Introduction== '''Crontab''' is a list of commands that allows tasks (programs, scripts) to be run automatically at regular time intervals. For example, in RUT routers it i..."
==Introduction==
'''Crontab''' is a list of commands that allows tasks (programs, scripts) to be run automatically at regular time intervals. For example, in RUT routers it is responsible for executing such services as Automatic Reboot functions, SIM Idle Protection, Scheduled SMS and others that function in a periodic manner.
The crontab can be opened for editing, adding, removing or modifying scheduled tasks. This article will provide an explanation of the crontab functionality principle and present some usage examples in hopes that it may help you configure your own crontab rules.
==Crontab syntax and editing==
===Editing environment===
---
Firstly, you must decide on what environment you want to use for editing. Crontabs can be edited via a '''Command Line Interface''' ('''CLI'''). RUT routers offer a range of options in that regard. For example, you can use the CLI present in the router's WebUI ('''Services → CLI'''). Or you can log in via '''SSH''' and make edits from there. The method of logging in via SSH is different on different systems: on Linux systems you can use the '''Terminal''' app log in with the command '''''ssh root@<routers_lan_ip_address>'''''; on '''Windows''' systems you can use the free '''PuTTY''' client.
In all cases the log in information is the same (user name: '''root'''; password: admin password (default: '''admin01''')). The syntax of the commands is also the same, so feel free to follow the guide step-by-step whichever method you choose.
Once you've chosen your preferred environment, we can begin the overview on the syntax and editing of crontabs.
===Syntax and editing===
----
Crontab entries are stored in the '''/etc/crontabs/root''' file. You can edit that file directly with the command '''''vi /etc/crontabs/root''''', but it is more convenient to edit with '''''crontab -e''''', which we'll be using for all examples in this guide. ''-e'' is an option of the ''crontab'' command used for editing. Presented below is a list all options that can be used with ''crotab'':
Usage: crontab [-c DIR] [-u USER] [-ler]|[FILE]
-c Crontab directory
-u User
-l List crontab
-e Edit crontab
-r Delete crontab
FILE Replace crontab by FILE ('-': stdin)
As an example, lets try the '''''-l''''' option that shows the contents of the crontab file:
[[File:]]
min hour day/month month day/week Description
0-59 0-23 1-31 1-12 0-6
*/5 * * * * every 5 minutes
12 */3 * * * every 3 hours at 12 minutes
57 11 15 1,6,12 * At 11:57 Hrs on 15th of Jan, June & Dec.
25 6 * * 1-5 At 6:25 AM every weekday (Mon-Fri)
0 0 4,12,26 * * At midnight on 4th, 12th and 26th of every month
5,10 9,14 10 * 0,4 At 9:05AM, 9:10AM, 2:05PM and 2:10PM every Sunday and Thursday
==External links==
https://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~sgtatham/putty/latest.html - PuTTY downloads page link
'''Crontab''' is a list of commands that allows tasks (programs, scripts) to be run automatically at regular time intervals. For example, in RUT routers it is responsible for executing such services as Automatic Reboot functions, SIM Idle Protection, Scheduled SMS and others that function in a periodic manner.
The crontab can be opened for editing, adding, removing or modifying scheduled tasks. This article will provide an explanation of the crontab functionality principle and present some usage examples in hopes that it may help you configure your own crontab rules.
==Crontab syntax and editing==
===Editing environment===
---
Firstly, you must decide on what environment you want to use for editing. Crontabs can be edited via a '''Command Line Interface''' ('''CLI'''). RUT routers offer a range of options in that regard. For example, you can use the CLI present in the router's WebUI ('''Services → CLI'''). Or you can log in via '''SSH''' and make edits from there. The method of logging in via SSH is different on different systems: on Linux systems you can use the '''Terminal''' app log in with the command '''''ssh root@<routers_lan_ip_address>'''''; on '''Windows''' systems you can use the free '''PuTTY''' client.
In all cases the log in information is the same (user name: '''root'''; password: admin password (default: '''admin01''')). The syntax of the commands is also the same, so feel free to follow the guide step-by-step whichever method you choose.
Once you've chosen your preferred environment, we can begin the overview on the syntax and editing of crontabs.
===Syntax and editing===
----
Crontab entries are stored in the '''/etc/crontabs/root''' file. You can edit that file directly with the command '''''vi /etc/crontabs/root''''', but it is more convenient to edit with '''''crontab -e''''', which we'll be using for all examples in this guide. ''-e'' is an option of the ''crontab'' command used for editing. Presented below is a list all options that can be used with ''crotab'':
Usage: crontab [-c DIR] [-u USER] [-ler]|[FILE]
-c Crontab directory
-u User
-l List crontab
-e Edit crontab
-r Delete crontab
FILE Replace crontab by FILE ('-': stdin)
As an example, lets try the '''''-l''''' option that shows the contents of the crontab file:
[[File:]]
min hour day/month month day/week Description
0-59 0-23 1-31 1-12 0-6
*/5 * * * * every 5 minutes
12 */3 * * * every 3 hours at 12 minutes
57 11 15 1,6,12 * At 11:57 Hrs on 15th of Jan, June & Dec.
25 6 * * 1-5 At 6:25 AM every weekday (Mon-Fri)
0 0 4,12,26 * * At midnight on 4th, 12th and 26th of every month
5,10 9,14 10 * 0,4 At 9:05AM, 9:10AM, 2:05PM and 2:10PM every Sunday and Thursday
==External links==
https://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~sgtatham/putty/latest.html - PuTTY downloads page link
