How to run an independent server-side script on database

Question

I am developing a web application that retrieves records from a database and sorts them by a number field.

I would like to run a script every 24 hours to randomly update the number field for all records so that each day the list gets sorted randomly.

I'm using Visual Studio 2012 Express and the Database is SQL Server.

Seems like it should be simple enough but my mind is boggled on how to accomplish this.

My background tells me I could just create a new table with a field to log the current time. Then every-time A user opens the webpage I could check the field and compare it with the current time to see if more then 24 hours have passed.. If so then I could recalculate the random number field. And update the time in my new table.

I know this is really inefficient I don't need to keep checking the database for every user that uses the webpage if I can get the server to run the script once every 24 hours. I just don't have any background on the tools and or methods I need to use to accomplish this.

http://stackoverflow.com/questions/5471080/how-to-schedule-a-job-for-sql-query-to-run-daily ? — Alexei Levenkov, Dec 28 '13 at 22:23
@AlexeiLevenkov: he's using Express. Does it have SQL Agent? — John Saunders, Dec 28 '13 at 22:26
Thank you guys. I'll look into the link to that question and Both of @JohnSaunders Suggestions. That should give me the needed direction I was seeking. — Trevor, Dec 28 '13 at 22:28
@JohnSaunders I thought combination is "VS Express" + "SQL", if it is "SQL express" that I think SQL agent approach is out. — Alexei Levenkov, Dec 28 '13 at 22:31

score 2 · Accepted Answer · answered Dec 28 '13 at 22:23

2

Just write a console application and run it as a scheduled task every 24 hours.
Or write a Windows Service that has a timer that goes off every 24 hours.

answered Dec 28 '13 at 22:23

John Saunders

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And If you dont have access to the server but only has a webhost you can create a rask instead in tou – Softwarehuset Dec 28 '13 at 22:25
@Softwarehuset: create a _what_? – John Saunders Dec 28 '13 at 22:26
sorry cant spell at my phone. http://stackoverflow.com/questions/3245975/quartz-net-setup-in-an-asp-net-website Quatz.net tasks can run on the website:) – Softwarehuset Dec 28 '13 at 22:45

How to run an independent server-side script on database

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