[SOLVED] Set Interval in Node.js vs. Cron Job?

Issue

I'm learning node.js and just set up an empty Linux Virtual Machine and installed node.

I'm running a function constantly every minute

var request = require('request')
var minutes = 1, the_interval = minutes * 60 * 1000

setInterval(function() {
    // Run code
  })
}, the_interval);

And considering adding some other functions based on current time. - (e.g. run function if dateTime = Sunday at noon)

My question is are there any disadvantages to running a set up like this compared to a traditional cron job set up?

Keep in mind I have to run this function in node every minute anyways.

Solution

It depends on how strictly you have to adhere to that minute interval and if your node script is doing anything else in the meantime. If the only thing the script does is run something every X, I would strongly consider just having your node script do X instead, and scheduling it using the appropriate operating system scheduler.

If you build and run this in node, you have to manage the lifecycle of the app and make sure it's running, recover from crashes, etc. Just executing once a minute via CRON is much more straightforward and in my opinion conforms more to the Unix Philosophy.

Answered By - Timothy Strimple

Answer Checked By - Cary Denson (WPSolving Admin)