Recipe 53: Cron setup
Cron is a Unix/Linux program used to run other programs at specific dates and times. cron.php is a Drupal program that many modules require to be run on a regular schedule. The following is a list of sample modules that use or require cron:
|
Core |
Contributed |
|---|---|
|
aggregator |
backup_migrate |
|
filter |
calendar_ical |
|
node |
date_timezone |
|
ping |
drush_tools |
|
search |
flickrsync |
|
statistics |
location |
|
watchdog |
update_status |
In some cases, the cron hooks that are run by cron.php simply clear out cache entries. In other cases, the module will not perform its primary function without cron. Regularly running Drupal's cron program is a prerequisite for Recipe 55—Views Fast Search.
Drupal's cron.php may be run manually: simply visit http://YOURSITE.com/cron.php, or select Run cron from the Administration menu. However, rather than visiting that URL every day—or even every half hour—it is best to configure the system's cron to do this. Alternatively you may set up a module, Poormanscron...
