Executing Python Scripts via Crontab

Scheduling tasks in a Linux system using crontab plays a crucial role in automating processes, including the execution of Python scripts. This article addresses the challenges encountered in configuring crontab to run a Python script every 10 minutes.

The recommended method is to use the crontab -e command. This opens the crontab editor, allowing users to add or edit scheduled tasks. For executing a Python script named script.py every 10 minutes, the following line should be added at the end of the file:

*/10 * * * * /usr/bin/python script.py

The syntax of crontab entries is structured as follows:

1. Minute (*/10 specifies every 10 minutes)
2. Hour (*)
3. Day of month (*)
4. Month (*)
5. Day of week (*)
6. Command (/usr/bin/python script.py)

File Modifications

The crontab file is usually located at /var/spool/cron/crontabs/ or ~/.crontab. To save the changes made using crontab -e, simply exit the editor.

Troubleshooting

If the scheduled task doesn't run as expected, it's advisable to verify the following:

• Correctness of the crontab entry
• Permissions of the Python script (must be executable)
• PATH variable includes the directory containing Python interpreter (/usr/bin)

Restarting any services is not typically required after making changes to crontab.