Scheduling and Repeating Scripts

There are three different timing controls on the operation of a script.  Two of these are commands, and the third is the manner in which the script is started.  The commands control the schedule of a script once it has run the first time. 

The primary command is Repeat_Time.  This command allows you to determine the frequency of the script’s operation.  It also allows you to limit operation to Workdays.  A less frequently used command is Time_Range that allows you to control the operation of the script over a 24 hour period.  This command would be used to force a script to start at a particular time, and to run only until the end of the time range.  For example, the commands:

          :Repeat_Time: 1 Hour, Workdays
          :Time_Range: 18:00-06:00

would cause the script to operate hourly between the hours of 6:00 PM and 6:00 AM.  The script would run only on workdays.

Scripts are typically started by running them from the Script Editor, or the Script Status program.  This starts the script immediately. 

Scripts may also be started by scheduling them.  This dialogue allows you to create multiple instances of a single script, where each instance will repeat independently.  For example, suppose you wish to run a script every Monday and Thursday at 11 PM.  You would include the command:

:Repeat_Time: Weekly

and then create two schedule entries for Monday and Thursday at 11 PM.  The Monday instance would repeat itself every Monday, and the Thursday instance would repeat itself every Thursday.  Two entries for the script would appear in the Scheduled Scripts window.  This gives you complete flexibility in the scheduled operation of the script.