Set up a scheduled job?

python

management-commands

django-extensions

scheduling

byNikita Barsukov·Jan 16, 2025

To set up a simple job in Python, use schedule, a cron-like library. Here's a snippet that executes a function every day at 9AM.

import schedule
import time

def job():
    # Do you want a coffee?
    print("Executing scheduled task... As regular as your morning coffee at 9AM")

schedule.every().day.at("09:00").do(job)

while True:
    schedule.run_pending()
    # Nap-time for 60 seconds, then coffee again!
    time.sleep(60)

This code schedules a job to run on a daily basis. The infinite loop is our diligent task runner to execute pending tasks and rests in-between.

Go further: Django and management commands

For heavier projects using Django, centralize scheduled jobs by leveraging custom management commands.

Crafting your command

Start by creating a new command:

mkdir -p <your_app>/management/commands
touch <your_app>/management/commands/scheduler.py

Then, mould the command:

from django.core.management.base import BaseCommand
import schedule
import time

class Command(BaseCommand):
    help = 'Runs scheduled jobs... Just like your personal assistant would.'

    def handle(self, *args, **options):
        # Here is your digital barista
        def job():
            self.stdout.write("Executing scheduled task... Espresso shot ready at 9AM")
        
        schedule.every().day.at("09:00").do(job)

        while True:
            # Barista on the watch!
            schedule.run_pending()
            # Shhh... Barista is on a break.
            time.sleep(60)

Then, run it like python manage.py scheduler.

Playing with advanced tools

Explore Celery for more complex scheduling requirements. It offers retry mechanisms, missed-task handling, and a plethora of execution options. Use django-cron or django-chronograph for a more Django-specific experience with admin interface perks. For Windows, consider using schtasks.exe for scheduling (available from Windows 8 and Server 2012).

Keeping your commands in check

Refer to the latest Django documentation on writing custom management commands to foster good practices and ensure compatibility.

Choosing your armory

Your method of scheduling jobs will also depend on your deployment strategy. Keep in mind that cron is a champion on POSIX systems, while Windows users can rally behind schtasks.exe or the at command.