Script to run daily queries? 1

[gdbsti]

(I'm not sure if this question belongs here, in MySQL or XML forums?)

Hi all,
A little bit of direction is required

I want to give my customers the option (opt-in/out) of how often I send them email updates of their account status, and an email reminder of pending account expiration.

I have added 2 new columns ("ContactFrequency" and "ExpireAdvisory&quot to the 'Customer' table in my database. Customers select options of "Contact me every: 3 months, 6 months, 12 months or Never", and "Remind me 1 week, 3 weeks, or never before my account expires" from their user admin (.php) page.

I can calculate when these dates become current using .php date, mktime and floor statements.

My Questions are:
1. How do I activate a query to check the database to establish if an auto emailer should be sent out. Is this a script I run once daily from a scheduling program?, or should I use a Cron Job Manager via the server to run a xml or php script?

2. Am I approaching this task from the wrong direction? Are their code snippets or an entire program that can do this job outright?

I have searched around but may be using the wrong keywords to find what I am looking for. I hope what I am asking is not too confusing.
Any input would be much appreciated.

TIA

GDB

 

[sleipnir214]

1. I use cron to fire off a PHP script.

2. You're approaching the problem the right way. But your needs are likely to be idosyncratic, so you'll probably have to write the script yourself.

Want the best answers? Ask the best questions:

http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

TANSTAAFL!!

 

[gdbsti]

Thanks sleipnir,
Your endorsement of the fact that I'm going in the right direction speaks volumes to me!

I'll go and study up on cron and start working on a script. If you know of where I may view some sample scripts (associated to this task) to help jump start me, that would be great too!

Cheers

GDB