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Alberto Gonzalez Escalante
Alberto Gonzalez Escalante

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Create systemd unit timers

#linux #systemd #sysadmin

Problem

Run a script every day at midnight using systemd.

Solution

1. Systemd service file 

## File: /etc/systemd/system/run-script.service [Unit] Description=Run a script every day at midnight [Service] Type=simple EnvironmentFile=/path/to/environment ExecStart=/path/to/script.sh [Install] WantedBy=multi-user.target
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2. Systemd timer file 

## File: /etc/systemd/system/run-script.timer [Unit] Description=Run a script every day at midnight [Timer] OnCalendar=*-*-* 00:00:00 Unit=run-script.service [Install] WantedBy=timers.target
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3. Reload and start the timer 

sudo systemctl daemon-reload sudo systemctl enable run-script.timer sudo systemctl enable run-script.service
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Explanation

The systemd unit timers are a powerful feature that allows you to schedule tasks to run at specific times or intervals. They are similar to cron jobs but offer more flexibility and control. You can take advantage of systemd's built-in capabilities like logging and monitoring, environment variables, and more.

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