Creating an e-mail reminder system

[Missing Code]

I need to build a system/file to send e-mail reminders from the web server to clients when their payment date is near. I aim to use PHP/MySQL on either Hostmonster or GoDaddy, if possible, to accomplish this.

My question is how do I go about programming something that will automatically work from the host web server. I only need it to activate once a day and send e-mail reminders to anyone who needs to be reminded.

Thanks.

[Guest]

Assuming you have rudimentary knowledge of programming and MySQL, simply add column in database for order date, then run a query to SELECT whatever FROM table WHERE order_date < NOW() - INTERVAL 1 MONTH

Change interval to whatever you want. Then After the query is run use the mail() function to send the mail. Pretty straight forward programming going on here. Then use cron on your host to execute the script daily.

[Lon_Winters]

I'm not sure if this is a requirement of the OP, but will that automatically run or does it have to be manually run from a form submit or something?

[Guest · Accepted solution]

Then use cron on your host to execute the script daily.

Um... that will automatically run. Google search of cron should give you more information regarding the process.

[Missing Code]

I used to think running scripts on the server was some mysterious process, but thanks for clearing it up! You really saved me.