How to run a python script with cronjob in Ubuntu / Apache

Question

I am trying to set up a cronjob in my Apache2/Ubuntu 20.04 server.

The python file that I want to execute is as follows:

def main():
print('TEST')
function()


def function():
    file1 = open("home/username/project/cron_test.txt","a")
    str1 = 'Test2 \n'
    file1.write(str1)
    file1.close() 

if __name__ == '__main__':
    main()

I have defined my cronjob as follows:

* * * * * /home/username/project/venv/bin/python3 /home/username/project/cron_test.py

When I run the command in putty, it works perfectly fine, and I get my desired output. However, when I place it in the crontab, the python script doesn't run.

Any ideas what I am doing wrong? I have tried various different ways, such as cd into the project folder and then run it, as well as putting a -f in between the python venv and the code, but I don't get any closer.

Help is appreciated.

Best regards,

Patrick

haku-kiro · Accepted Answer · 2020-11-17 08:50:37Z

1

Maybe Try converting your script to an executable python script,

Change your cronjob to * * * * * /home/username/project/cron_test.py
Make your script executable, i.e. in terminal run chmod +x cron_test.py
Add the following to the top of your script file: #!/usr/bin/python3 (Or wherever your python binary is located)

answered Nov 17, 2020 at 8:50

haku-kiro

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Canasta · Accepted Answer · 2020-11-17 08:51:37Z

0

Change this line

file1 = open("home/username/project/cron_test.txt","a")

to

file1 = open("/home/username/project/cron_test.txt","a")

answered Nov 17, 2020 at 8:51

Canasta

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2 Comments

PatrickPel Over a year ago

Hi Canasta, thanks for your edit, it did the job and it worked now. Now I wanted to change my code, and only run def function(). I changed the cron task to * * * * * /usr/bin/python3 -c 'from home.camielk.BolSellerTool.cron_test import function; function()' but now it isn't working anymore. Any more solutions?

Canasta Over a year ago

It seems there is nothing wrong. Difference is /home/username/project/venv/bin/python3 changed to /usr/bin/python3. Check this, and Typo.

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