---
name: cron-setup
description: Set up scheduled tasks and cron jobs: periodic reports, cleanup jobs, data sync, and monitoring probes. Use when the goal asks to schedule tasks, set up cron jobs, or automate periodic work.
version: 1.0.0
---

# cron-setup

Set up scheduled tasks and cron jobs: periodic reports, cleanup jobs, data sync, and monitoring probes. Use when the goal asks to schedule tasks, set up cron jobs, or automate periodic work.

## Goal pattern

cron schedule task periodic timer interval report cleanup sync automation scheduled

## Parameters

- scheduler (choice [default: auto]): Scheduler

## Steps

1. [analyst] Define the schedule: determine frequency (every minute, hourly, daily, weekly), timezone, and whether the job needs to run on a specific server or distributed.

2. [analyst] Choose the scheduler: node-cron, bull/bullmq, system crontab, or cloud scheduler (Cloud Functions, Lambda, GitHub Actions). (after: step-1)

3. [analyst] Implement the job: write the task logic with proper error handling, idempotency (safe to re-run), and logging. Include a heartbeat. (after: step-2)

4. [analyst] Add monitoring: log start/end, duration, and outcome. Set up alerts for missed runs or excessive duration. (after: step-3)

5. [analyst] Test the schedule: run the job manually, verify it handles failures gracefully, and document the job for future maintainers. (after: step-4)