Cron Predefined Macros

Convenient shortcuts for common scheduling patterns.

Macros: Predefined shortcuts that replace common cron expressions for better readability.

Standard Macros

Macro Equivalent Description
@yearly 0 0 1 1 * Once per year (Jan 1st)
@annually 0 0 1 1 * Same as @yearly
@monthly 0 0 1 * * Once per month (1st day)
@weekly 0 0 * * 0 Once per week (Sunday)
@daily 0 0 * * * Once per day (midnight)
@midnight 0 0 * * * Same as @daily
@hourly 0 * * * * Once per hour
@reboot n/a At system startup

Usage Examples

# Using macros in crontab @daily /opt/scripts/daily-backup.sh @weekly /opt/scripts/weekly-cleanup.sh @monthly /opt/scripts/monthly-report.sh @hourly /opt/scripts/health-check.sh @reboot /opt/scripts/startup-tasks.sh