How to Add a Cron Job for the Adnoyer CodyChat Addon

The Adnoyer addon for CodyChat is a powerful tool for sending automated messages to chat rooms at specified intervals, making it ideal for advertisements or quick tips. To ensure it runs smoothly, you need to set up a cron job to execute the addon’s script at regular intervals. This article provides a step-by-step guide to configuring a cron job for the Adnoyer addon on a Linux-based server, either through a hosting control panel like cPanel or via SSH.

Prerequisites

• A CodyChat installation with the Adnoyer addon installed.
• Access to your hosting control panel (e.g., cPanel) or SSH access to your server.
• The path to your CodyChat installation (e.g., /home/yourusername/public_html/).
• Basic familiarity with cron jobs and Linux commands.

Step 1: Understand the Adnoyer Cron Job

The Adnoyer addon requires a cron job to execute its script (adnoyer.php) periodically. This script handles sending random messages to chat rooms based on the addon’s configuration. According to the CodyChat support forum, the cron job should run every minute to ensure timely message delivery without flooding rooms.

Step 2: Locate the Adnoyer Script

The Adnoyer script is typically located in the following directory within your CodyChat installation:

/home/yourusername/public_html/addons/adnoyer/system/cron/adnoyer.php

Replace yourusername with your actual hosting account username. Verify the path by checking your CodyChat installation directory. If you’re unsure, use the find command via SSH:

find /home/yourusername/public_html -name adnoyer.php

Step 3: Set Up the Cron Job

You can configure the cron job either through a control panel or via SSH. Below are instructions for both methods.

Option 1: Using cPanel

1. Log in to cPanel: Access your hosting provider’s cPanel dashboard.
2. Find the Cron Jobs Section: Navigate to the “Cron Jobs” or “Scheduled Tasks” section (usually under “Advanced”).
3. Add a New Cron Job:
   • Set the Schedule: Select “Every minute” (* * * * *) from the dropdown or enter it manually to run the job every minute.

   • Enter the Command: Use the following command, replacing yourusername with your actual username:

     php -q /home/yourusername/public_html/addons/adnoyer/system/cron/adnoyer.php >/dev/null 2>&1
     

     The >/dev/null 2>&1 part suppresses output to reduce server load and prevent email notifications.

4. Save the Cron Job: Click “Add New Cron Job” to save. The job will start running immediately.

Option 2: Using SSH

1. Access Your Server: Connect to your server via SSH using a terminal or client like PuTTY.

2. Edit the Crontab File: Run the following command to open the crontab editor:

   crontab -e
   

3. Add the Cron Job: Append the following line to the crontab file, replacing yourusername with your actual username:

   * * * * * php -q /home/yourusername/public_html/addons/adnoyer/system/cron/adnoyer.php >/dev/null 2>&1
   

   The * * * * * syntax means the job runs every minute.

4. Save and Exit: Save the file and exit the editor (e.g., press Ctrl+O, then Enter, and Ctrl+X in nano). The cron daemon will automatically pick up the changes.

Step 4: Verify the Cron Job

• Check Execution: Wait a few minutes and monitor your CodyChat rooms to ensure Adnoyer is sending messages as configured.

• View Cron Logs: On some servers, you can check cron job execution in logs (e.g., /var/log/cron). Use:

  sudo tail -f /var/log/cron
  

  You may need root access to view logs.

• Troubleshoot Issues: If messages aren’t appearing, verify:
  • The path to adnoyer.php is correct.
  • The PHP CLI is accessible (run which php to confirm).
  • The cron job is active (use crontab -l to list cron jobs).

Step 5: Fine-Tune Adnoyer Settings

Log in to your CodyChat admin panel to configure Adnoyer’s message content, frequency, and target rooms. Ensure the addon is enabled and properly set up to work with the cron job. Adnoyer uses an algorithm to avoid flooding less active rooms, so adjust settings to balance visibility and server load.

Additional Tips

• Test with Longer Intervals: If every minute is too frequent, experiment with a less frequent schedule (e.g., every 5 minutes: */5 * * * *).
• Use Absolute Paths: Always use the full path to php and adnoyer.php to avoid execution errors.
• Monitor Server Load: Running cron jobs every minute can strain shared hosting. Check with your hosting provider if you encounter performance issues.

• Backup Crontab: Before editing, back up your crontab with:

  crontab -l > crontab_backup.txt
  

Conclusion

Setting up a cron job for the Adnoyer CodyChat addon is straightforward, whether using cPanel or SSH. By following these steps, you can automate message delivery to enhance your chat community’s engagement. For further assistance, consult your hosting provider’s documentation or the CodyChat support forum.