http://www.perlmonks.org?node_id=938023

ZWcarp has asked for the wisdom of the Perl Monks concerning the following question:

Say I want to make a perl script that will automatically download something once a week, or month perhaps.

Specifically, I want to keep an updated version of the Cosmic database on my local machine. This database can be accessed by going here http://www.sanger.ac.uk/genetics/CGP/cosmic/, clicking the biomart option, then selecting run results, and download to file. How might one automate these steps in a script?

I am not asking anyone to write this script for me, but if you could give me some pointers or direct me to some relevant tutorials or reading that would be superb! Thanks!

Replies are listed 'Best First'.
Re: Weekly Running script?
by CountZero (Bishop) on Nov 14, 2011 at 23:01 UTC
    They also have an FTP-site which may be easier to access: FTP link.

    I see on the CosmicMart website that they have a Perl-API (see "Perl" button on the top right hand side). It seems to work with the Biomart modules. They are not on CPAN, but more info on how to get them can be found here.

    CountZero

    A program should be light and agile, its subroutines connected like a string of pearls. The spirit and intent of the program should be retained throughout. There should be neither too little or too much, neither needless loops nor useless variables, neither lack of structure nor overwhelming rigidity." - The Tao of Programming, 4.1 - Geoffrey James

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Re: Weekly Running script?
by keszler (Priest) on Nov 14, 2011 at 20:50 UTC
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Re: Weekly Running script?
by choroba (Cardinal) on Nov 14, 2011 at 23:44 UTC
    To schedule repeated commands, you can use cron on *nix systems. For MSWin, there should be something called Windows Task Scheduler.
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