Frequently asked questions
Where are scheduled tasks stored, and how do I view cron jobs in Linux?
Sample Answer
What is the difference between system and user cron jobs in Linux?
Cron jobs are widely used for performing both server and individual website administration tasks. The main difference between system- and user-scheduled tasks is their scope. System cron jobs affect the whole server, while user tasks can only work in the area available to the specific user defined by their permissions.
System cron jobs are often used for server maintenance, including installing updates, running backups, and log rotation. Most system administrators configure additional cron jobs that automate tasks specific to the server environment.
User cron jobs are usually aimed at performing different website administration tasks, including managing email and backups. For example, many security and backup plugins for WordPress use cron jobs to run backups and launch scheduled malware and vulnerability scans.
What structure do cron jobs use?
All cron jobs in Linux have the same structure that defines when the scheduled tasks need to run and what program or script is to be executed — and how. Knowing how to view cron jobs and modify them can help you customize the way specific tasks are performed on your website. The standard structure is:
* * * * * command to be executed
Where are scheduled tasks stored, and how do I view cron jobs in Linux?
Most cron jobs are stored in files named crontabs. Each user has a separate crontab that represents a list of cron jobs configured for it. You can view crontabs from the Linux command line interface, SiteWorx, or your hosting control panel. Hosting control panels retrieve the list of cron jobs from the server and present it to you for easier navigation.