PHP with Javascript in cron

[palsoft]

Hi,

I have PHP script which is calculating some Google Maps API functions in Javascript and then sending output back to PHP.

My biggest problem is, that i need it to run at intervals, but AFAIK cron can't handle javascript

I've tried a little workaround - setting cron which sends the url to online web thumbnail generator - and it works. Until this online service denied loading scripts at their side.

It must be some way to achieve this. Maybe running some instance of browser in PHP?

[vishesh]

There is no direct/good way. You have to run you code in a browser somehow. Maybe if your server allows, save the output in file and run "firefox file.htm".

Also, in Windows I think you can get your work done using PHP and COM components. But again a lot is dependent upon your host. If you have your own server or have good control, maybe you can get what you want.

[palsoft]

Or maybe there's some online service allowing to run a webpage like one that i was using (thumbalizr.com). Does anyone know?

[edwinhermann]

You can use cron to call a php page.
IN your crontab file, the command part would be something like this:

/usr/bin/php /users/me/www/myfile.php

[palsoft]

You can use cron to call a php page. IN your crontab file, the command part would be something like this:

/usr/bin/php /users/me/www/myfile.php

Cron can not run client-side Javascript...

[pritaeas]

Perhaps a site uptime checking service.

Or if you have a pc running 24/7, open the page in Opera and set it to refresh at your interval.

[palsoft]

Thank you very much, pritaeas! I've managed it by running it thru http://pagespeed.googlelabs.com/ :)