linux - Proper way to run a script using cron?

Question

When running a script with cron, any executable called inside must have the full path. I discovered this trying to run wondershaper, when many errors showed when it tried to call tc. So my question is, what's the proper way to overcome this problem?

Possible solutions:

• cd to the executable folder and prepare symbolic links to any other called executable there (not sure if it works - low portability)
• use full paths in the script (it works - low portability across different distros)
• exporting a path variable with the needed paths inside the script (not sure if it works)

Well, thanks in advance for anyone helping.

Answer 1

If you're on linux/bsd/mac you can set some environment variables like PATH right in the crontab, and with that you're generally good to go.

If you're on Solaris, well, I pray for you. But, I do have an answer too: I generally source .profile before running anything:

0 0 * * 0 . /home/myuser/.profile && cd /path && ./script

Mind you, my .profile loads .bash_profile and .bashrc. Just be sure whatever file you source has what you need.