Understanding @hourly
The cron expression @hourly breaks down as follows:
| Field | Value | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Special | @hourly | Shorthand expression |
When Does @hourly Run?
This cron expression will execute:
- Once per hour
- In the server's configured timezone (usually UTC)
Example Next Run Times
Starting from January 1, 2025 00:00:
- Depends on system events or calendar
How to Use This Cron Expression
Linux/Unix Crontab
@hourly /path/to/your/script.sh
Kubernetes CronJob
apiVersion: batch/v1
kind: CronJob
metadata:
name: my-cronjob
spec:
schedule: "@hourly"
jobTemplate:
spec:
template:
spec:
containers:
- name: my-job
image: my-image
restartPolicy: OnFailure
GitHub Actions
on:
schedule:
- cron: '@hourly'
Node.js (node-cron)
const cron = require('node-cron');
cron.schedule('@hourly', () => {
console.log('Running scheduled task');
});
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the cron expression @hourly mean?
Run once per hour with @hourly. Equivalent to 0 * * * *.
How do I test @hourly cron expression?
Use our free Cron Expression Tester to validate @hourly. Enter the expression, see the next execution times, and verify it matches your expected schedule.
What timezone does @hourly run in?
Cron expressions use the system timezone by default. For servers, this is typically UTC. Always verify your server's timezone with 'timedatectl' or check your cron daemon configuration.
Can I use @hourly in Kubernetes?
Yes, Kubernetes CronJobs support standard 5-field cron expressions like @hourly. Add it to your CronJob spec.schedule field.
How many times does @hourly run per day?
Once per hour
Related Cron Expressions
More Cron Tools
GetDevUtils offers a suite of developer tools including:
- Cron Expression Tester - Validate and test cron expressions
- Unix Timestamp Converter - Convert timestamps
- JSON Formatter - Format and validate JSON
- Regex Tester - Test regular expressions