Automatic execution of scripts on remote server

[robert swanson]

It is my understanding that WAS runs on a remote host and doesn't know a thing about databases nor does it have the features of runtime Alpha.

So how does Script_Schedule which relies on a timer in Alpha function on a remote shared host.

I would much prefer that Alpha not have to run full time on my machine just to execute a automated script. Several portions of the script involve posting operations and I can't see how I could modifiy the DB on the host from a local scrpt.

The only solution so far that I can think of is to ftp the DB's to the this PC, do the posting then ftp them back. This still requires this PC

Any better solutions would be appreciated.

[robert swanson]

bump

[ab042]

Are you saying there is currently NO WAY to automated a process/page on the WAS currently?

I believe 90% of our database web apps have something that runs automated on the server every X minutes, hours etc.

[robert swanson]

Jerry I don't know. Thats the reason for the post. I have a number of items that I would like to run automatically Email, posting etc. but I can't figure out how without using my machine as opposed to using the remote host.

I'm looking for answers

Also if we can't run scripts remotely iw will mean that we will have to download the dbf's to keep both sets synced

[Lenny Forziati]

script_schedule can be used on a remote server, but you'd have to check with your hosting provider to make sure they allow it.

[robert swanson]

Lenny do you know if Alpha5host does this

[Lenny Forziati]

No, I do not know.

Lenny do you know if Alpha5host does this

[robert swanson]

Ok thanks I'll check with them

[ab042]

The script schedule remains in force for the duration of your Alpha Five session. Once you quit Alpha Five, the script schedule is forgotten

I would like the server to automated a process every X minutes but it appears the script schedule would only work after a user is logged in?

For example: Using the WAS Server only product, I would like a script or an a5w page to run every 15 minutes (On the server) and lookup some request we have in a pending type table and process it (ie: EMail Invoice, Fax Quote, Note followup needed etc etc) and then note in the table that the process completed, come back and look again in 15 minutes.

If the server is running this process should happen every 15 minutes without a user doing anything.

How can we do this with Alpha. It doesn't appear that script schedule will do it?

[robert swanson]

This is the answer I got from my host

Bob,

1. As you mentioned in your email, the script will reside on the pages that will use them. If the pages will need to be called through a browser they should reside in your \htdocs folder in the server. If you are planning to use compiled functions, then you'll need to send them to us and we'll put them in the Alpha5 folder on the server. We'll need to test these functions to make sure the application's performance is not compromised.

2. Although the script_schedule function would run without problem on the server, you can potentially run into problems if the timer that you use is also used by another user. So for stability reasons, I would not recommend it.
The alternative to this would be to create an A5W page that does the required work, then run a scheduled task on a remote computer that sends a request for an A5W page. I have created an .a5w page inside your htdocs folder called emailtest.a5w. If you go to that page, an email will immediately be sent to your email address. You can use similar procedure with the functions that you want to run, but instead you'd have a scheduled task that goes to the page where you have the code. This will give you more control and will ensure that the function is not going to break for reasons beyond your control.

Hope this helps.

[Lenny Forziati]

Another option would be to create a background thread to do the work, sleep for 15 minutes (or however long you'd like), then do the work again. There is a fairly complete example of this technique at http://support.alphasoftware.com/alp...ad_Example.htm

[ab042]

Thanks the above was very helpful.

How do we start the script when the server first loads?

I notice there is a autoexec script that appears to be in the regular version of Alpha but I can't find anything on the WAS server only product?