# Cron Jobs

> Run a finite command on a UTC schedule.

Source: https://nexthomelabs.com/docs/services/cron-jobs
Slug: services/cron-jobs
Section: Create
Last updated: 2026-08-30

---

# Cron Jobs

A Cron Job starts a command on a schedule, performs a finite task, and exits. It is appropriate for reports, cleanup, data imports, and periodic synchronization—not for a process that must stay online.

## Schedule and command

Choose **Cron Job**, configure a supported source or image, set the command, and enter a standard five-field cron expression. NexHost schedules cron jobs in UTC, so convert business-time requirements before saving the schedule.

## Good job behavior

Make each run safe to retry, exit with a non-zero code on failure, and write actionable application output. Use a [Background Worker](/docs/services/background-workers) for queue consumers or any process that should not exit after a single run.