Question 1

How can I execute a cron job twice daily at midnight and 13:30?

Accepted Answer

Use two separate cron lines: `0 0 * * * command` for midnight and `30 13 * * * command` for 13:30. A combined `0,30 0,13 * * *` would fire four times (cron evaluates field cross-products). Whenever the two times differ in both hour and minute, you always need multiple cron entries.

Question 2

I am trying to create a Cron expression that runs every day at 8:00 AM and 3:30 PM. I understand how to create an expression that runs once a day, but not at multiple set times.

Accepted Answer

Use two cron lines, one per fixed time: `0 8 * * * command` for 08:00 daily and `30 15 * * * command` for 15:30 daily. Standard cron only allows a list per field, not paired hour:minute combinations, so different minutes-per-hour always require multiple cron entries.

Question 3

How can I set up a cron job to run every night at 2:30? I am familiar with configuring it to run at 2:00, but not 2:30.

Accepted Answer

Use `30 2 * * * command`. The minute field comes first in cron, then the hour — so 2:30 AM is `30 2`, not `2 30`. Cron uses 24-hour time (no AM/PM), so 2:30 PM is `30 14`. The expression runs in the scheduler's timezone, which may not match your local time.

Question 4

How do I set up a cron job that runs every day at 1PM, 2PM and 3PM?

Accepted Answer

Use a comma list in the hour field: `0 13,14,15 * * * command` runs at 13:00, 14:00 and 15:00. For consecutive hours, the equivalent range form is `0 13-15 * * *`. Non-consecutive times only work with the list form: `0 13,16,21 * * *`. If minutes differ per hour, use separate cron lines.

How can I execute a cron job twice daily at midnight and 13:30?

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