Basic info on how to create and run batch jobs can be found here.
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc636647.aspx
In my post, I will demonstrate how to define dependencies between the tasks. This has application when you want to have complex dependency hierarchies, allowing you to schedule tasks in parallel, and choose multiple execution paths etc.
In short, I will create 2 tasks where second task will be dependent on the first task. Let's go step by step.
1. I am using the Tutorial_RunBaseBatch class. Just open/run the class, check the Batch processing checkbox and click OK. This will create a new batch job named Tutorial with one task.
2. Open the Batch job form. Select the newly created batch job named Tutorial. Click on View tasks button. You can see the only task available named Tutorial. Rename it to TutorialTask1 so that it makes more sense. Also, I kept a copy of Tutorial_RunBaseBatch class named CopyOfTutorial_RunBaseBatch. (I won't rename it as I am a little lazy. :P) Since each task represents a class, I will create a second task named TutorialTask2 running on CopyOfTutorial_RunBaseBatch class. Press Ctrl+N to create TutorialTask2.
3. Now select TutorialTask2, click the Has Conditions grid in the lower section of the Batch Tasks form and press Ctrl+N to create a new condition.
4. Select the task ID of the parent task, in our case TutorialTask1.
5. Select the status the parent task must have before the child/dependent task can run. In our case, TutorialTask2 starts when TutorialTask1 becomes 'Ended'. Save the condition.
It works more or less like a workflow. :)
