Cron Job in Python

Python offers multiple libraries for scheduling tasks, including APScheduler for in-process scheduling, Celery for distributed task queues, and the simple schedule library for basic needs.

How to Set Up Cron Jobs in Python

Install APScheduler

APScheduler is the most versatile Python scheduler

Code

pip install apscheduler

Create a cron-style schedule

Use CronTrigger for cron expressions

Code

from apscheduler.schedulers.blocking import BlockingScheduler
from apscheduler.triggers.cron import CronTrigger

def my_job():
    print("Running scheduled task")

scheduler = BlockingScheduler()
scheduler.add_job(
    my_job,
    CronTrigger.from_crontab('*/5 * * * *')  # Every 5 minutes
)
scheduler.start()

Alternative: Use schedule library

For simpler interval-based scheduling

Code

import schedule
import time

def job():
    print("Running task...")

schedule.every(5).minutes.do(job)

while True:
    schedule.run_pending()
    time.sleep(1)

Python Cron Limitations vs CronUptime

Python Limitations

•Requires a running Python process or Celery worker
•Celery needs Redis/RabbitMQ infrastructure
•APScheduler jobs are lost on restart (unless using job stores)
•No built-in HTTP endpoint monitoring
•Complex setup for distributed systems

CronUptime Advantages

✓No Python process to maintain
✓Works with Flask, Django, FastAPI endpoints
✓Automatic retries on failure
✓Execution logs and history
✓Zero infrastructure management

Why Use CronUptime Instead?

While Python cron jobs work for basic use cases, managing infrastructure for scheduled tasks adds complexity. CronUptime offers a simpler, serverless alternative.

No Infrastructure

We handle execution. No servers to maintain.

Reliable Timing

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Any Endpoint

Works with any HTTP endpoint on any platform.

Frequently Asked Questions

For simple in-process scheduling, use APScheduler. For distributed systems, Celery with Celery Beat is recommended. For basic intervals, the schedule library works well.

You can use system crontab (crontab -e on Linux), APScheduler within your app, or a managed service like CronUptime that calls your Python web endpoint on schedule.

APScheduler runs tasks in the same process and is simpler to set up. Celery is a distributed task queue requiring Redis/RabbitMQ but scales better for heavy workloads.

Quick Reference

Cron Expression:

*/5 * * * *

Human Readable:

every 5 minutes

Cron Jobs on Other Platforms

Cron Job in Node.js

Node.js

Cron Job List & Management

Linux/Unix

Vercel Cron Jobs

Vercel

Next.js Cron Jobs

Next.js

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