> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.enginsight.com/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.enginsight.com/docs/manual/english/appendix/angabe-von-cron-ausdruecken.md). # Defining Cron Expressions A cron expression is a string that is used to define the exact time or a recurring interval for executing automated tasks, known as cron jobs. *** ## Structure In standard Linux syntax, a cron expression consists of five fields separated by spaces. The fields represent the following time values: | Position | Description | Available Values | | --------------- | ------------------------- | ---------------- | | `*` \* \* \* \* | Minute | 0 - 59 | | \* `*` \* \* \* | Hour | 0 - 23 | | \* \* `*` \* \* | Day of the Month | 1 - 31 | | \* \* \* `*` \* | Month (January–December) | 1 - 12 | | \* \* \* \* `*` | Day of the Week (Sun–Sat) | 0 - 6 | *** ## Syntax Options You can combine various numbers, letters, and special characters to create precise schedules. Here you can find available characters with corresponding examples:
SyntaxDescriptionExample
*This character represents a wildcard.* * * * *

Every minute
*/<Number>This expression represents an interval.* /5 * * * *

Every 5 minutes
<Number>-<Number>This expression represents a range of values.

0 9-17 * * 1-5


Every minute from 9:00 a.m. to 5:59 p.m., Monday through Friday

<Number>,<Number>,<Number>This expression represents a list of multiple values.0 8,12,16 * * *

At 8:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m.
<Number>-<Number>/<Number>This expression combines an interval with a range of values.

0 1-6/2 * * *


Every 2 hours from 1:00 a.m. to 6:59 a.m.

<Number>LThis expression represents the last occurrence of a value.

0 20 * * 5L


At 8:00 p.m. on the last Friday of every month

<Number>#<Number>This expression represents the nth occurrence of a value.

0 8 * * 1#2


At 8:00 a.m. on the second Monday of every month

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