# Run every hour
*/1 * * * * cd /absolute/path/to/project && /absolute/path/to/.venv/bin/python cron_scraper.py >> ~/cron.log 2>&1

```

The above cron job syntax consists of several parts:

The timing pattern “ _/1_ \\*\\* \*” breaks down as follows:

- First `*/1`: Specifies every minute
- First `*`: Represents any hour
- Second `*`: Represents any day of the month
- Third `*`: Represents any month
- Fourth `*`: Represents any day of the week

After the timing pattern:

- `cd /absolute/path/to/project`: Changes to the project directory of your scraper
- `&&`: Chains commands, executing the next only if previous succeeds
- `/absolute/path/to/.venv/bin/python`: Specifies the Python interpreter path
- `cron_scraper.py`: The script to execute
- `>> ~/cron.log 2>&1`: Redirects both standard output (>>) and errors ( `2>&1`) to `cron.log`

For hourly execution, the same pattern applies but with `0 * * * *` timing to run at the start of each hour instead of every minute.

As soon as you save your crontab file with these commands, the schedule starts and you should see a `logs` directory in the same folder as your `cron_scraper.py`. It must look like this if you have been following along:

!["Logs directory showing successful automated web scraping schedule execution with cron jobs and Firecrawl"](https://www.firecrawl.dev/images/blog/scheduling-scrapers-images/output.png)

You can always check the status of your cron jobs with the following command as well:

```bash
tail -f ~/cron.log

```

To cancel a cron job, simply open your crontab file again and remove the line corresponding to the job.

#### How to automate a web scraper using Windows Task Scheduler?

Windows Task Scheduler is a built-in Windows tool that can automate running programs or scripts at specified times. It’s a robust alternative to cron jobs for Windows users. Let’s set up our scraper to run automatically.

First, create a batch file ( `run_scraper.bat`) to run our Python script:

```python
@echo off
cd /d "C:\path\to\your\project"
call venv\Scripts\activate
python cron_scraper.py
deactivate

```

Then, to set up the task in Windows Task Scheduler:

- Open Task Scheduler (search “Task Scheduler” in Windows search)
- Click “Create Basic Task” in the right panel
- Follow the wizard:
  - Name: “Hacker News Scraper”
  - Description: “Scrapes Hacker News hourly”
  - Trigger: Choose when to run (e.g., “Daily”)
  - Action: “Start a program”
  - Program/script: Browse to your `run_scraper.bat`
  - Start in: Your project directory

For more control over the task, you can modify its properties after creation:

- Double-click the task
- In the “Triggers” tab, click “Edit” to set custom schedules
- Common scheduling options:
  - Run every hour
  - Run at specific times
  - Run on system startup
- In the “Settings” tab, useful options include:
  - “Run task as soon as possible after a scheduled start is missed"
  - "Stop the task if it runs longer than X hours”

The Task Scheduler provides several advantages:

- Runs even when user is logged out
- Detailed history and logging
- Ability to run with elevated privileges
- Options for network conditions
- Retry logic for failed tasks

You can monitor your scheduled task through the Task Scheduler interface or check the logs we set up in `cron_scraper.py`.

## Automating Web Scrapers With GitHub Actions

One disadvantage all local scheduling methods have is that they rely on your local machine being powered on and connected to the internet. If your computer is turned off, loses power, or loses internet connectivity, your scheduled scraping tasks won’t run. This is where cloud-based solutions like GitHub Actions can provide more reliability and uptime for your web scraping workflows.

### What is GitHub Actions?

GitHub Actions is a continuous integration and deployment (CI/CD) platform provided by GitHub that allows you to automate various workflows directly from your [GitHub](https://github.com/) repository.

For web scraping, GitHub Actions provides a reliable way to schedule and run your scraping scripts in the cloud. You can define workflows using YAML files that specify when and how your scraper should run, such as on a regular schedule using cron syntax. This means your scraping jobs will continue running even when your local machine is off, as they execute on GitHub’s servers.

### Step 1: Setting Up a GitHub repository

To schedule our scrapers with GitHub actions, we first need a GitHub repository. Start by initializing Git in your current workspace:

```bash