View source for Cron Jobs

== Cron Jobs ==

In [[:Plesk|Plesk]], cron jobs are called 'Scheduled Tasks'.

== Cron Jobs Affect Account Load ==

{{Caution|
Scheduled Tasks count towards your total account load. This means that running too many cron jobs or starting a cron job to run every 1 minute risks your account getting [[:Suspension_Policy#Cron_Jobs_/_Scheduled_Tasks|suspended for high server usage]] on [[:Tommy|Tommy]] and [[:Johnny|Johnny]], or charged for overages on [[:Morty|Morty]].
}}

== Setting up a Scheduled Task ==

To access the cron job section, navigate to:  

'''Login > Plesk > Websites & Domains > [ domain ] > Scheduled Tasks > 'Add Task''''

[[File:plesk-scheduled-tasks.png]]

== Cron Jobs are chrooted ==

{{Info|
Scheduled Tasks run in a chroot environment with limited access to binaries and executables for security reasons.

This means you cannot directly access certain programs or scripts outside of your home directory.
}}

== Working Around the chroot ==

Some options to work around the chroot environment when setting up a Scheduled Task include:  

== Flask Endpoint ==

Set up a Flask application and create an endpoint like 'domain.helioho.st/update', then use the "Fetch a URL" option inside Scheduled Tasks to access it via 'https'.

If you're new to Flask or want a more detailed guide, check out this [[:Flask|Flask tutorial]] to help you get started.

== Python ==

Set up a Python script in the 'cgi-bin' directory, then use the "Fetch a URL" option inside Scheduled Tasks to access the file via 'https'.

If you're new to Python or want a more detailed guide, check out this [[:Python|Python tutorial]] to help you get started.

[[File:plesk-schedule-a-task.png]]