How to Schedule Python Script Execution Using Crontab Every 10 Minutes?

Automating Python Script Execution via Crontab

Wanting to execute your Python script every 10 minutes through the Linux crontab, you stumbled upon conflicting solutions and unexplained results. To clarify, let's delve into the process of editing your crontab to schedule this execution.

Configure Crontab:

Avoid using /etc/cron.d/anacron; instead, use the simpler "crontab -e." Simply add the following line to the end of the file:

*/10 * * * * /usr/bin/python /home/souza/Documets/Listener/listener.py

This line instructs crontab to run the Python script named "listener.py" every 10 minutes.

Edit Crontab File:

The default crontab file is located at /var/spool/cron/crontabs/username (replace "username" with your actual username). Use a text editor (e.g., nano or vim) to open this file.

Alternatively, you can execute "crontab -e" directly from the terminal. This command will open your crontab file in your default text editor.

Once the file is open, it contains your scheduling commands. If it's empty, you can simply paste the line mentioned above at the end.

Troubleshooting:

If the crontab method doesn't work, ensure that the following requirements are met:

• Python is installed at /usr/bin/python or elsewhere in your PATH.
• The Python script has execution permissions (chmod x script.py).
• Cron is running: check with "service cron status" and start it using "sudo service cron start" if necessary.

About the Script:

You provided a Python script that automates the creation of virtual machines on OpenStack. This script appears to have functionality beyond the simple task of executing every 10 minutes. However, it's unrelated to the core question of using crontab to schedule Python script executions.

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