Switch Boolean Value with Timer

[MysticKnight]

I have an online store that was created with PHP and it uses MySQL on the backend.

There’s a boolean field in the database that either turns the store on (enabled) or it turns the store off (disabled) when it’s toggled.

My question is can I write code that would automatically toggle that boolean value at specific times of the day?

[gw1500se]

Yes, for Linux use cron and for Windows use task scheduler.

[MysticKnight]

Can you tell me more about how to do it or is there a place where I can detailed information?

I’ll be using a standard Linux OS at a web hosting company.

I familiar enough to modify PHP or MySQL or follow instructions, but I’m still relatively new to both.

Edited June 26, 2020 by MysticKnight

[MysticKnight]

I think I’m heading in the right direction here...

https://www.werockyourweb.com/cron-job-mysql/

But I would still welcome and specific instructions that anyone decides to contribute.

[requinix]

It's an online store? Online? Why should it ever be closed?

[Barand]

Didn't you get the memo about the regulation of working hours for AI?

[MysticKnight]

33 minutes ago, requinix said:

It's an online store? Online? Why should it ever be closed?

They only sell products that have to be picked up in person.

[kicken]

21 minutes ago, MysticKnight said:

They only sell products that have to be picked up in person

So someone can't order something to be picked up tomorrow?   I do that somewhat frequently with lowes/home depot.

 

In any case, you'd essentially just create a script to change that field.

<?php

$online = intval($argv[1]);
$db = new PDO('mysql:host=localhost;dbname=store', 'username', 'password');
$statement = $db->prepare('UPDATE table SET online=? WHERE whatever');
$statement->execute([$online]);

Then setup two cron jobs to run that script at whatever time you want to toggle the field and it's desired value

# Set online=1 at 9am
0 9 * * * /usr/bin/php /home/you/toggleOnline.php 1
# Set online=0 at 5pm
0 17 * * * /usr/bin/php /home/you/toggleOnline.php 0

You'll have to get more sophisticated if you want to handle things like weekends, holidays, etc.

Edited June 27, 2020 by kicken

[MysticKnight]

I can’t thank you enough for your help. I’m going to use your suggestion and see if I can get it working tomorrow.

I know it sounds weird, but in this case they want the shopping cart to turn off when someone isn’t available to immediately follow up on the order by phone.

[requinix]