Cron @reboot Special String

@reboot

Run once at system startup with @reboot. Special cron string for boot tasks.

Test This Expression →

Understanding @reboot

The cron expression @reboot breaks down as follows:

Field Value Meaning
Special@rebootShorthand expression

When Does @reboot Run?

This cron expression will execute:

Example Next Run Times

Starting from January 1, 2025 00:00:

How to Use This Cron Expression

Linux/Unix Crontab

@reboot /path/to/your/script.sh

Kubernetes CronJob

apiVersion: batch/v1
kind: CronJob
metadata:
  name: my-cronjob
spec:
  schedule: "@reboot"
  jobTemplate:
    spec:
      template:
        spec:
          containers:
          - name: my-job
            image: my-image
          restartPolicy: OnFailure

GitHub Actions

on:
  schedule:
    - cron: '@reboot'

Node.js (node-cron)

const cron = require('node-cron');

cron.schedule('@reboot', () => {
  console.log('Running scheduled task');
});

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the cron expression @reboot mean?
Run once at system startup with @reboot. Special cron string for boot tasks.
How do I test @reboot cron expression?
Use our free Cron Expression Tester to validate @reboot. Enter the expression, see the next execution times, and verify it matches your expected schedule.
What timezone does @reboot 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 @reboot in Kubernetes?
Yes, Kubernetes CronJobs support standard 5-field cron expressions like @reboot. Add it to your CronJob spec.schedule field.
How many times does @reboot run per day?
Once at system startup

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