This pattern limits the execution frequency of WP Cron jobs, ensuring that they do not run more frequently than a set threshold, even if the scheduled time has passed.

gistfile1.txt

How It Works:
	•	The cron job runs only if the time since the last run is greater than or equal to the defined throttle interval (in this case, 1 hour).
	•	It checks this condition before executing the task, ensuring that the job isn’t triggered too frequently.

wp-cron-trottling.php

<?php
/**
 * Cron Job Throttling Pattern
 *
 * Limits the frequency of a WP Cron job to avoid overwhelming the server.
 */

// Define the interval between allowed cron executions (in seconds)
define( 'MY_CRON_JOB_THROTTLE_INTERVAL', 3600 ); // 1 hour

// Cron job callback
function my_cron_job_callback() {
    // Your task here, e.g., send an email, process data, etc.
    error_log( 'Cron job executed at ' . current_time( 'mysql' ) );
}

// Check if the cron job is allowed to run based on the throttle interval
function my_cron_job_throttled_check() {
    $last_run = get_option( 'my_cron_job_last_run', 0 );
    $current_time = time();

    if ( ( $current_time - $last_run ) >= MY_CRON_JOB_THROTTLE_INTERVAL ) {
        // Run the cron job
        my_cron_job_callback();

        // Update the last run time
        update_option( 'my_cron_job_last_run', $current_time );
    }
}

// Schedule the cron job
if ( ! wp_next_scheduled( 'my_cron_job_hook' ) ) {
    wp_schedule_event( time(), 'hourly', 'my_cron_job_hook' );
}

// Hook the throttled cron check to WP Cron
add_action( 'my_cron_job_hook', 'my_cron_job_throttled_check' );