Question: What is a cron job and how do I set one up? Print

Answer:

This article explains what a cron job is and how to configure one in Plesk on GHFS Hosting. Cron jobs allow your server to run automated tasks on a schedule.

1. What Is a Cron Job?

A cron job is an automated task that runs at specific intervals.
It can trigger scripts or commands without manual input.

Common uses include:

• Running backups automatically

• Clearing cache files

• Executing PHP scripts

• Updating applications or databases

• Running scheduled tasks for CMS platforms (WordPress, Joomla, etc.)

Cron jobs ensure that scheduled actions happen consistently and automatically.

2. How to Set Up a Cron Job in Plesk

Steps:

1. Log in to your Plesk control panel

2. Go to Tools & Settings or Websites & Domains (depending on your plan)

3. Click Scheduled Tasks

4. Select Add Task

5. Choose the type of task:

   • Run a command

   • Run a PHP script

   • Fetch a URL (if supported)

6. Set the schedule using:

   • Minute

   • Hour

   • Day

   • Month

   • Day of week

7. Enter your command or script path

8. Click OK to save the task

Your cron job will now run automatically according to the schedule.

3. Common Examples of Cron Commands

Running a PHP script:

Fetching a script via URL (if allowed):

Running a shell command:

Always adjust file paths and PHP versions to match your server configuration.

4. Understanding Cron Timing (Schedule)

Cron timing uses five fields:

Examples:

• Every 5 minutes:

   

• */5 * * * *

• Daily at midnight:

   

• 0 0 * * *

• Once per hour:

   

• 0 * * * *

5. When to Contact GHFS Hosting Support

Contact support if:

• Your cron job is not running

• You do not know which command to use

• You need help creating script paths

• Your CMS requires specific scheduled tasks

• Permissions or resource limits are causing failures

Support can verify logs, correct paths, and help configure the correct cron command.