at Command Generator
Generate at commands to schedule one-time commands or scripts to run at a future time
Getting Started with at
## What is at?
`at` schedules a **one-time** command or script to run at a future time. It is the right tool when you need something to happen once ("back up this file in 2 hours"), as opposed to `cron` which repeats on a schedule. The `atd` daemon must be running.
## How to Use
1. **Set the time**: Enter a time expression like `now + 5 minutes`, `10:30`, `teatime` (4 PM), or `tomorrow 9am`. 2. **Optionally load a script**: Use `-f script.sh` to run a file instead of typing commands interactively. 3. **Manage jobs**: `-l` lists queued jobs, `-d N` deletes job N, `-c N` prints job N's full command. 4. **Copy & Run**: After entering `at <time>` you drop into an interactive prompt where you type the commands (Ctrl-D to finish), unless `-f` is used.
Time Formats & Options
### Time expressions `at` accepts many natural forms: `now + 5 minutes`, `now + 1 hour`, `10:30`, `10:30 AM`, `midnight`, `noon`, `teatime` (4 PM), `tomorrow`, `tomorrow 9am`, `MM/DD/YYYY`, or `next Friday`.
### `-f FILE` Run a script Submit a file's contents as the job instead of typing them at the prompt: `at -f backup.sh now + 1 hour`.
### `-q QUEUE` Choose a queue Letters a–z select a queue; a is the default at-jobs queue, b is for batch (load-gated). Each queue can have its own load limit in `/etc/at.deny`/`at.allow`.
### `-l` / `-d N` / `-c N` List, delete, cat `-l` lists pending jobs; `-d 5` deletes job 5; `-c 5` prints the environment and commands that job 5 will run.
### `-m` Mail on completion Send mail to the user when the job finishes, even if there is no output.
### `-v` Verbose Print the exact scheduled time before reading the job.
▶at vs cron — what's the difference?
▶The at command returns 'Cannot find atd' — what's wrong?
▶How do I schedule a script to run in 30 minutes?
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