Windows Service- check a folder every x seconds

Question

I am wanting to create a Windows Service for the first time, but just have a question about the logic of it:

I want to create a service that every x seconds, poll's a directory, reads all the text files in this directory, inserts the details into the database and then archives this file.

How do I do this so that it runs every x seconds? (which x is defined in a configuration file).

Do I do a loop that says something like:

int interval = 5000;
while (TRUE) {
   //my logic
   Thread.Sleep(interval); //pause for 5 seconds
}

Is this the accepted method to achieve this?

Remember to lock (no pun) files etc if the service runs more than 5 seconds. Alternatively look a FileSystemWatcher. — Thomas, Aug 27 '12 at 05:50

score 3 · Accepted Answer · answered Aug 27 '12 at 05:46

3

You can use FileSystemWatcher instead of checking every x seconds.You will be notified whenever a file or folder in the given folder is created,deleted or changed

Check Here from msdn.

answered Aug 27 '12 at 05:46

Rasel

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This sounds like a much better solution than a timer! – Lock Aug 27 '12 at 05:55

score 1 · Answer 2 · edited May 23 '17 at 12:04

1

Alliteratively, you can you the FileSystemWatcher API. It trigger an event when the folder changes. This save your battery life if you are on laptop.

How can I monitor a Windows directory for changes?

edited May 23 '17 at 12:04

Community

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answered Aug 27 '12 at 05:48

J-16 SDiZ

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Windows Service- check a folder every x seconds

2 Answers2