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{{Installing Moodle}}
{{Installing Moodle}}
The Moodle 'cron' process is a script that is usually triggered by a web server program.  The Moodle cron script runs different tasks at differently scheduled intervals.
The Moodle 'cron' process is a PHP script (part of the standard Moodle installation) that must be run regularly in the background.  The Moodle cron script runs different tasks at differently scheduled intervals.


'''IMPORTANT: Do not skip setting up the cron process on your server for your Moodle. Your site will not work properly without it'''
'''IMPORTANT: Do not skip setting up the cron process on your server for your Moodle. Your site will not work properly without it'''


A cron web server program is programmed to run the Moodle cron script at a regular interval.  The Moodle cron script determines which tasks need to be completed.  For example these tasks include sending mail, updating Moodle reports, RSS feeds, activity completions, posting forum messages and other tasks. Since different tasks have different schedules, not every task will run in Moodle when the cron script is triggered.  
A special program (typically called - not surprisingly - 'cron') is used to run the Moodle cron script at a regular interval.  The Moodle cron script runs tasks include sending mail, updating Moodle reports, RSS feeds, activity completions, posting forum messages and other tasks. Since different tasks have different schedules, not every task will run in Moodle when the cron script is triggered.  


On some Moodle sites it is possible to trigger the Moodle cron script by running yourmoodle/admin/cron.php in the address bar of a web browser.   
The cron program (that runs the Moodle script) is a core part of Unix based systems (including Linux and OSX) being used to run all manner of time-dependent services. On Windows a special program will usually need to be installed. On shared hosting, you should find the documentation (or ask support) how cron is configured.  
 
Essentially, the task involves adding a single command to the list of cron activities on your system. On Unix based systems this list is a file called a 'crontab' which all users have.   


== Setting up cron on your system ==
== Setting up cron on your system ==

Revision as of 09:28, 17 May 2012

The Moodle 'cron' process is a PHP script (part of the standard Moodle installation) that must be run regularly in the background. The Moodle cron script runs different tasks at differently scheduled intervals.

IMPORTANT: Do not skip setting up the cron process on your server for your Moodle. Your site will not work properly without it

A special program (typically called - not surprisingly - 'cron') is used to run the Moodle cron script at a regular interval. The Moodle cron script runs tasks include sending mail, updating Moodle reports, RSS feeds, activity completions, posting forum messages and other tasks. Since different tasks have different schedules, not every task will run in Moodle when the cron script is triggered.

The cron program (that runs the Moodle script) is a core part of Unix based systems (including Linux and OSX) being used to run all manner of time-dependent services. On Windows a special program will usually need to be installed. On shared hosting, you should find the documentation (or ask support) how cron is configured.

Essentially, the task involves adding a single command to the list of cron activities on your system. On Unix based systems this list is a file called a 'crontab' which all users have.

Setting up cron on your system

Choose the information for your server type:

Here are some more instructions for specific hosts (please check that these are up to date):

Cron settings in Moodle

There are settings within Moodle that control aspects of cron operation:

Remote cron

Using the 'web based' version of cron it is perfectly ok to place the cron process on a different machine to the Moodle server. For example, the cron service on a Unix server can invoke the cron web 'page' on a Windows based Moodle server.

See also

Using Moodle forum discussions: