auto removing old files

[bladechob]

Hi, I've got a vacancies database where I'd like to delete all jobs that are posted that are over 3 months old automatically. I.e. they reach a shelf life of 3 months then bye bye! Would I do this via a cron job or in the job posting page? Help appreciated

[aebstract]

I would vote a cron job.

[Sulman]

You could do it in the job posting page but if no one visits that page for a few months you could have some very old data in there.

 

Cron job would probably be best.

[aschk]

I guess you've got to weight up the advantages/pitfalls of each option

1) Cron job

2) Per page load (posting page)

 

As i see it, the 1st option will mean it's done regularly, but you need to find a schedule that suits you. Probably daily (during the early hours) would be best, and this way your data is updated on a daily basis, meaning it's up-to-date.

The 2nd option on the other hand means higher load on your server (doing the check every time the page is "posting"), with possibly unnecessary actions (deleting nothing). If it's not used often it won't affect the process load, but you may still be performing unnecessary actions.

[bladechob]

Well cron job it is then - next question is what would the command line be

[tinker]

most my sites are in the style of a cms, so a (restricted area) page is called, which just uses php/mysql as usual, also generates a log (+backup if required)...

[bladechob]

thanks for that