Activate Python program every 5 minutes?

Question

Is there an easy way to get a python code segment to run every 5 minutes?

I know I could do it using time.sleep() but was there any other way?

For example I want to run this every 5 minutes:

x = 0
def run_5():
    print "5 minutes later"
    global x += 5
    print x, "minutes since start"

That's only a fake example but the idea is there.

Any ideas?

I am on linux and would happily use cron but was just wondering if there was a python alternative?

Answer 1

you can do it with the threading module

>>> import threading
>>> END = False
>>> def run(x=0):
...     x += 5
...     print x
...     if not END:
...         threading.Timer(1.0, run, [x]).start()
... 
>>> threading.Timer(1.0, run, [x]).start()
>>> 5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40

Then when you want it to stop, set END = True.

Answer 2

You might want to have a look at cron if you are running a *nix type OS. You could easily have it run you program every 5 minutes

http://www.unixgeeks.org/security/newbie/unix/cron-1.html

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/CronHowto

Answer 3

If you are on a windows platform, you could use a scheduled task.

Otherwise, use cron, wonderful, wonderful cron.