[Yii Framework] How to run cron job (or use command) in the server with yii framework

Here is a step by step to show how to run command in the server with yii framework.

1. Create the web application.

yiic webapp ./myapp

2. Edit myapp/protected/config/console.php:

return array(
    'basePath'=>dirname(__FILE__).DIRECTORY_SEPARATOR.'..',
    'name'=>'My Console Application',

    'params'=>array(
        'testparam'=>'testvalue',
    ),
);

3. Create myapp/protected/commands/DemoCommand.php:

<?php
class DemoCommand extends CConsoleCommand {

    public function run($args)
    {
        echo "Hello! Param=".Yii::app()->params['testparam']."\n";
    }
}

4. Check that yiic finds the command:

david_lee@david-desktop:~$ /var/www/webapp/protected/yiic

Tip: make sure that you have the php bin in /usr/bin.

Then you will get the message as below:

Yii command runner (based on Yii v1.1.3)
Usage: ./protected/yiic <command-name> [parameters...]

The following commands are available:
 - demo
 - message
 - shell
 - webapp

5. Run the command:

david_lee@david-desktop:~$ /var/www/webapp/protected/yiic demo

You will get the output:

Hello! Param=testvalue

Tip: You have to pay attention that the name of the command above: yiic demo. Please compare with the name of myapp/protected/commands/DemoCommand.php

Have fun with Yii!