How do I use node-cron in Node.js?
Install with npm install node-cron. Use cron.schedule('0 0 * * *', () => { ... }) to run a task daily at midnight. The first argument is a cron expression, the second is the callback. Use task.stop(), task.start(), and task.destroy() to manage the task.
Verify This Answer
Cross-check this information using these trusted sources:
More FAQs in Using node-cron for Scheduled Tasks in Node.js Syntax and Examples
Every minute (* * * * *), every 15 minutes (*/15 * * * *), every hour (0 * * * *), daily at midnight (0 0 * * *), weekdays at 9 AM (0 9 * * 1-5), every Sunday (0 0 * * 0), monthly on the 1st (0 0 1 * *), every 6 hours (0 */6 * * *).
Pass a timezone option: cron.schedule('0 9 * * *', () => { ... }, { timezone: 'Asia/Kolkata' }). This runs the task at 9 AM in the specified timezone, not the server's timezone. Useful when your users are in a different timezone than your server.
Use cron.validate('0 0 * * *') which returns true for valid expressions and false for invalid ones. Always validate user-provided cron expressions before scheduling to prevent runtime errors.
Still have questions?
Browse all our FAQs or reach out to our support team