cron

Configure recurring tasks in a Kamal cron role using Unix cron syntax.

Updated Jun 30, 2026

Search Tags:#automation #devops #deployment #scheduling #cron #kamal

Ready to run

npx skills add https://github.com/donnfelker/kamal-skills --skill cron-donnfelker

💬 Prompt for ChatGPT / Claude Chat▼

Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: cron
Source: https://github.com/donnfelker/kamal-skills/tree/main/skills/cron
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/donnfelker/kamal-skills --skill cron-donnfelker

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This Skill solves the complexity of running scheduled, recurring tasks in a containerized environment by providing a standardized way to configure and deploy a dedicated cron role within your Kamal infrastructure.

Core Features & Use Cases

Dedicated Cron Roles: Easily define a separate container role specifically for running system cron daemons.
Environment Propagation: Automatically injects container environment variables into your crontab to ensure jobs have access to necessary secrets and configuration.
Use Case: Use this to schedule nightly database cleanup tasks, hourly report generation, or periodic data synchronization jobs that need to run within your application's environment.

Quick Start

Use the cron skill to configure a new cron role in my deploy.yml that runs a nightly cleanup task at 2am.

Frequently Asked Questions about cron

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema

How do I schedule recurring background jobs in my Kamal deployment?▼

To schedule recurring background jobs in Kamal, configure a dedicated cron container role using standard Unix cron syntax. You must define this role in your servers configuration and include a crontab file within your application image.

Can I pass environment variables to scheduled cron tasks in a Kamal container?▼

Yes, you can pass environment variables to scheduled cron tasks in a Kamal container. This configuration automatically injects container environment variables into your crontab, ensuring jobs have access to necessary secrets and configuration.

What is the best way to run periodic maintenance tasks with Kamal?▼

The best way to run periodic maintenance tasks with Kamal is configuring a dedicated cron role within your infrastructure. This approach applies to deployment scenarios requiring background job execution, automated reporting, or periodic data synchronization.

Do I need a separate container role to run cron jobs in Kamal?▼

Yes, you need a separate cron role defined in your servers configuration to run scheduled tasks in Kamal. This dedicated container role runs the system cron daemon and requires a crontab file included within the application image.

How does environment propagation work for Kamal cron jobs?▼

Environment propagation for Kamal cron jobs works by automatically injecting container environment variables directly into your crontab. This mechanism ensures scheduled tasks execute with access to necessary application secrets and configuration data.

What limitations exist when using Unix cron syntax for scheduled tasks in Kamal?▼

Using Unix cron syntax for scheduled tasks in Kamal requires a dedicated container role and a crontab file baked into your application image. This approach is limited to deployment scenarios requiring standard background job execution.