Cron Job
A Cron Job is a scheduled task in Unix-like operating systems that automatically runs scripts or commands at specified intervals. It is managed by a daemon called cron, which checks a configuration file known as the crontab for instructions on when to execute these tasks. Users can set up their own cron jobs to automate repetitive tasks, such as backups or system updates.
Cron jobs are defined using a simple syntax that specifies the minute, hour, day of the month, month, and day of the week for execution. This flexibility allows users to schedule tasks as frequently as every minute or as infrequently as once a year. By automating these processes, cron jobs help improve efficiency and reduce the need for manual intervention.