batch

Execute commands interactively

$ batch

$ echo "./backup.sh" | batch

batch [OPTIONS]

batch executes commands when system load levels permit. It queues jobs to run when the system load average drops below a configurable threshold (default 1.5), making it useful for scheduling non-urgent or resource-intensive tasks during low-usage periods.
Unlike `at` which runs commands at a specific time, `batch` waits for favorable system conditions. Commands are read from standard input, and output is mailed to the user upon completion. The `atd` daemon must be running to process queued jobs.

Commands are read from standard input. Press Ctrl+D to end input when entering commands interactively.

The atd daemon must be running for batch to work. Results are sent to the user's mail. The load average threshold can be configured when starting atd.

batch is part of the at package, providing job scheduling utilities for Unix systems.

at(1), atq(1), atrm(1)