at Linux command
The Linux at command allows users to schedule tasks to be executed at a later time. It provides a way to automate processes on a Linux system, making it easier to manage tasks and improve efficiency. By using the at command, users can specify a time for a command to be run, making it a useful tool for system administrators and regular users alike. Tasks scheduled with the at command will run in the background, allowing users to continue working without interruptions. This command provides a convenient way to schedule one-time or recurring tasks, helping to streamline workflow and increase productivity on a Linux system.
at Syntax:
Section titled “at Syntax:”at [-q queue] [-f file] [-mldv] TIMEOptions:
Section titled “Options:”| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| -q | Specifies the job queue to use. |
| -f | Reads commands from the specified file. |
| -m | Sends mail when the job has been completed. |
| -l | Lists the at jobs. |
| -d | Deletes the at job. |
| -v | Prints the version information. |
Parameters:
Section titled “Parameters:”| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| TIME | Specifies the time to run the job. |
at bash Examples:
Section titled “at bash Examples:”Schedule a command to run at a specific time
Section titled “Schedule a command to run at a specific time”echo "Hello, World" | at 08:00 AMSchedules the command “echo “Hello, World"" to run at 8:00 AM.
Schedule a script to run in the future
Section titled “Schedule a script to run in the future”at 09:30 PM -f /path/to/script.shSchedules the script “script.sh” to run at 9:30 PM.
Schedule a one-time command to run after a delay
Section titled “Schedule a one-time command to run after a delay”echo "Backup files" | at now + 1 hourSchedules the command “echo “Backup files"" to run one hour from the current time.
Schedule a recurring task
Section titled “Schedule a recurring task”echo "Check disk space" | at 12:00 PM every FridaySchedules the command “echo “Check disk space"" to run every Friday at 12:00 PM.
View a list of scheduled tasks
Section titled “View a list of scheduled tasks”at -lDisplays a list of all scheduled tasks.
Remove a scheduled task
Section titled “Remove a scheduled task”atrm <job_number>Removes the scheduled task with a specific job number.
at Command Help Center:
Section titled “at Command Help Center:”How do I use at in Linux?
Section titled “How do I use at in Linux?”To use the at command in Linux, execute the following command:
at --option <value>How can I schedule a task to run at a specific time with at in Linux?
Section titled “How can I schedule a task to run at a specific time with at in Linux?”To schedule a task to run at a specific time using the at command, use the following syntax:
echo "command to be executed" | at HH:MM YYYY-MM-DDHow do I list the scheduled tasks with at in Linux?
Section titled “How do I list the scheduled tasks with at in Linux?”To list the scheduled tasks using the at command, run the following command:
atqHow can I view the details of a specific at job in Linux?
Section titled “How can I view the details of a specific at job in Linux?”To view the details of a specific at job using the at command, use the following command with the job number:
at -c <job_number>How do I remove a scheduled task with at in Linux?
Section titled “How do I remove a scheduled task with at in Linux?”To remove a scheduled task using the at command, you can delete by specifying the job number like this:
atrm <job_number>How can I specify the working directory for an at job in Linux?
Section titled “How can I specify the working directory for an at job in Linux?”To set the working directory for an at job using the at command, use the cd command before executing the desired task:
echo "cd /path/to/directory && command" | at HH:MM YYYY-MM-DDHow do I send an email when an at job is completed in Linux?
Section titled “How do I send an email when an at job is completed in Linux?”To receive an email notification when an at job is completed, include the mail command after your task, like this:
echo "command; mail -s 'Task completed' user@example.com" | at HH:MM YYYY-MM-DDHow can I schedule a task to run periodically with at in Linux?
Section titled “How can I schedule a task to run periodically with at in Linux?”To schedule a task to run periodically at a specific interval using the at command, specify the interval using the at command within the task itself:
echo "command; at now + 1 hour" | at nowApplications of the at Command
Section titled “Applications of the at Command”- Scheduling tasks to run at a specified time
- Automating repetitive tasks
- Running scripts or commands at a later time
- Managing batch jobs efficiently
- Handling one-time tasks without the need for a full-fledged scheduling system