AutoSys File Watcher: Monitoring Files with Automated Job Triggers

 AutoSys File Watcher: Monitoring Files with Automated Job Triggers

AutoSys is a comprehensive job scheduling and management tool used widely across industries to automate IT processes. One of the advanced features of AutoSys is the File Watcher job type, which allows jobs to be triggered based on file events such as creation, modification, or deletion. This functionality is particularly useful in environments where jobs need to react dynamically to changes in file systems. In this article, we’ll explore the AutoSys File Watcher feature, how it works, and how to set it up.

What is an AutoSys File Watcher?

A File Watcher in AutoSys is a job type that monitors specific files or directories for changes. When a specified file event occurs—such as a file being created, modified, or deleted—the File Watcher triggers a corresponding AutoSys job. This feature is essential in scenarios where job execution depends on the availability or state of files, such as data processing pipelines, automated backups, or content synchronization tasks.

Key Use Cases for AutoSys File Watcher

1. Data Pipeline Management: Trigger processing jobs when new data files arrive in a directory.
2. Backup Automation: Initiate backup jobs when specific files or databases are updated.
3. File Transfer Automation: Start file transfer jobs when new files are ready for dispatch.
4. Content Synchronization: Monitor directories for changes and synchronize content across environments.

Setting Up a File Watcher Job in AutoSys

Creating a File Watcher job in AutoSys involves defining the job’s attributes using a Job Information Language (JIL) script. Below is a step-by-step guide to setting up a File Watcher job.

Step 1: Define the Job in a JIL Script

To create a File Watcher job, you need to write a JIL script that specifies the file or directory to be monitored and the conditions under which the job should be triggered. Here is an example of a JIL script for a File Watcher job:

insert_job: file_watcher_job job_type: FW
watch_file: "/data/incoming/*.txt"
machine: server01
owner: fileadmin
condition: n 
description: "File Watcher job to monitor incoming .txt files"
std_out_file: "/var/log/file_watcher.log"
std_err_file: "/var/log/file_watcher.err"
watch_interval: 10
alarm_if_fail: 1
term_run_time: 120

Explanation of the Script:

• insert_job: The command to create a new job in AutoSys.
• file_watcher_job: The name of the job.
• job_type: FW: Specifies that this is a File Watcher (FW) job.
• watch_file: The file or directory to be monitored. Wildcards (e.g., *.txt) can be used to monitor all files of a certain type.
• machine: The server where the job will run and monitor files.
• owner: The user who owns the job.
• condition: Specifies any additional conditions that must be met for the job to trigger.
• description: A brief description of the job’s purpose.
• std_out_file: The file where standard output will be logged.
• std_err_file: The file where standard errors will be logged.
• watch_interval: The interval (in seconds) at which AutoSys checks for the specified file event.
• alarm_if_fail: Sends an alarm if the job fails.
• term_run_time: Maximum run time for the job, after which it will be terminated if still running.

Step 2: Load the JIL Script into AutoSys

After writing the JIL script, save it with a .jil extension, such as file_watcher_job.jil. To load the job into AutoSys:

1. Enter JIL Mode: Open the AutoSys command-line interface (CLI) and type jil to enter JIL mode.

   
   jil
   

2. Load the Script: Use the batch command to load the JIL file:

   
   batch < file_watcher_job.jil
   

This command will create the File Watcher job in AutoSys based on the attributes defined in the JIL script.

Step 3: Verify the File Watcher Job

Once the job is loaded into AutoSys, you can verify its status and attributes using the autorep command:

autorep -j file_watcher_job

This command displays details about the job, including its current status and the file it is monitoring.

Understanding the Watch File Parameter

The watch_file parameter is critical to the File Watcher job’s functionality. Here are some key points to understand:

• Exact File Path: You can specify an exact file path if you want to monitor a specific file.

  
  watch_file: "/data/incoming/report.csv"
  

• Wildcards: Use wildcards to monitor multiple files that match a pattern (e.g., all .txt files in a directory).

  
  watch_file: "/data/incoming/*.txt"
  

• Directory Monitoring: You can monitor an entire directory for any changes.

  
  watch_file: "/data/incoming/*"
  

Managing and Troubleshooting File Watcher Jobs

Managing File Watcher jobs involves monitoring their status and ensuring they trigger as expected. Here are some tips for managing these jobs:

• Check Logs: Use the std_out_file and std_err_file attributes to log outputs and errors. Regularly review these logs to ensure the File Watcher is functioning correctly.

• Adjust Watch Interval: The watch_interval determines how often the job checks for file events. If your File Watcher isn’t triggering as expected, consider adjusting this interval.

• Monitor Job Status: Use the autorep command to monitor the status of your File Watcher job and ensure it transitions correctly between statuses (e.g., INACTIVE, RUNNING, SUCCESS).

• Troubleshoot Failures: If the job fails, check the alarm_if_fail setting to receive notifications. Review the logs to determine the cause of the failure and take corrective actions.

Best Practices for Using AutoSys File Watcher Jobs

• Specific File Patterns: Use specific patterns in the watch_file attribute to avoid unnecessary job triggers, especially in directories with many files.

• Optimize Watch Intervals: Set the watch_interval to an appropriate value to balance system resource usage with the need for timely job execution.

• Combine with Other Conditions: Use the condition attribute to add additional checks, such as verifying that a prerequisite job has completed before triggering the File Watcher job.

Conclusion

The AutoSys File Watcher job type is a powerful feature for automating workflows that depend on file events. By setting up File Watcher jobs, you can ensure that your processes react dynamically to changes in the file system, enhancing automation and efficiency. Whether you’re managing data pipelines, backups, or content synchronization, mastering the File Watcher functionality in AutoSys can significantly improve your job scheduling capabilities.