Mini Blog 🌀 Manifest of Time – Part 3: `systemd-timers` – When the System Breathes on Its Own

[toni]

Manifest of Time – Part 3: `systemd-timers` – When the System Breathes on Its Own​

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"True automation doesn't wait. It lives."
– Philosophy of a breathing system

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While `crontab` and `at` need your touch,
`systemd-timers` are like breathing – automatic, deep,
and inseparable from the soul of the system.

This is conscious automation.
Your commands become part of the OS's life rhythm.

What is a `systemd-timer`?​

It’s a mechanism where you create two separate units:

• `.service` file – defines WHAT to execute
• `.timer` file – defines WHEN to execute it

They work together – like heart and pulse.

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Example: Automatic backup every 6 hours​

1. Create the service file

sudo nano /etc/systemd/system/backup.service

[Unit]
Description=Backup My Data

[Service]
ExecStart=/usr/local/bin/backup.sh

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2. Create the timer file

sudo nano /etc/systemd/system/backup.timer

[Unit]
Description=Run backup every 6 hours

[Timer]
OnBootSec=10min
OnUnitActiveSec=6h
Persistent=true

[Install]
WantedBy=timers.target

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3. Enable and start the timer

sudo systemctl daemon-reexec
sudo systemctl enable --now backup.timer

"Your script is now part of the system’s breathing."

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Check active timers​

systemctl list-timers

Stop and disable the timer​

sudo systemctl stop backup.timer
sudo systemctl disable backup.timer

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Final Thought​

With `systemd-timers`,
you don’t just issue commands anymore.
You integrate them into the system’s life cycle.
It doesn’t just run them…
It lives them.

Terminal Signature​

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┌──[@iflux@systembreath]
│ trace: [daemon soul linked]
└─> echo "When your code becomes part of the system’s breath… you’ve mastered time."