I want to create a timer so that every hour, it automatically updates the database.

E.G. I need it to add 1 every hour to the amount of hours passed every hour (obviously).

I have tried using date("H:i:s") and if statements to see if that worked but it didn't. Anyone have any ideas? I had a look at the other topic of automatically emailing something and followed the link but I was like a needle in a haystack!! Had no idea where I was.

If anyone has an idea please feel free to help me!

Thanks,

Manson

The best way to do it would be to write the script that does the update, and then setup a cronjob to execute that script every hour.

SQL to update the database:

Update MYTABLE set DATE_FIELD = now();

That's the thing though, I don't understand the CRON thing. I get how to add the timing etc just not how to set it up. Like where do I save it (if i save it) and what path I have to use etc. I am very confused if you hadn't guessed.

Also would my host support it? http://www.bargain-hosting.net/index-6.html

Reading their datacenter info and whatnot...it sounds fake...but that's beside the point.

I'm not sure. I'm not experienced with hosting on a Windows platform. Can "crons" (or a Windows equivalent) even be run in a Windows environment?

My apologies, I assumed you were on a *nix system.

Windows has a task schedular, but most hosting companies don't give their customers access to that. Unless they set something up custom for thier customers. I don't know of a "cron" workaround on windows.

You have a couple options I guess
1. move to a host that supports crontabs (most linux hosts do), they'll even help you set it up I'm sure.
2. contact your current host and see if they offer you any options.
3. If you have a friend using a linux host, ask them to setup a cronjob on their account that will execute your script.

A cronjob or something similar is the only way to execute a script at set intervals. I too had this problem a while ago when I was running a site on a windows server, I ended up signing up for a cheap linux hosting account and using the cron job there.

Ok thanks. I will see about getting a new host. I was planning to anyway as I am currently using my works host as I develop the coding etc.