What is a WordPress Cron and When Should You Enable or Disable it?

What is a WordPress Cron?

A WordPress cron is a system that simulates the UNIX cron system to automate task scheduling at custom time intervals. It allows WordPress users to perform tasks such as checking for updates, publishing scheduled posts, and deleting old comments on a regular basis. WP-Cron is how WordPress handles scheduling time-based tasks in WordPress. Several core features of WordPress rely on the WP-Cron system, such as checking for updates and publishing scheduled posts.

When Should You Enable or Disable it?

If your website receives regular traffic from visitors, then the WP-Cron will be triggered automatically each time someone visits your website. This ensures that all scheduled tasks are performed regularly without any manual intervention required from you. However, if your website does not receive regular traffic from visitors, then it's best to disable the WP-Cron and use a real cron job instead. A real cron job runs at specific times regardless of whether anyone visits your website or not. This ensures that all scheduled tasks are performed even when there's no traffic on your website.

Benefits of Using a Real Cron Job Over the WP-Cron System

Using a real cron job over the default WP-Cron system has many advantages. For starters, it eliminates unnecessary server processes from running every time someone visits your site which can reduce server load and improve performance. Additionally, a real cron job ensures that all scheduled tasks are completed even when there is no traffic on your site so you can be sure that all essential tasks are getting done.

"Can I enable or disable Cron after I have enabled or disabled it at set up?"

Absolutely! After you have enabled or disabled the WordPress cron at setup, you can easily enable or disable it again at any time by accessing the WP-Cron settings from your cPanel. Log in to cPanel. In the Advanced section, click Cron Job. View here for more detailed instructions on how to enable or disable a cron job.

It's important to note that if you disable WP-Cron, WordPress still runs some tasks such as checking for updates and publishing scheduled posts, but these tasks will now run only when visitors come to your website instead of running automatically at set intervals.

Another Solution for Creating a Cron.

For another simple solution to creating a Cron Job, you can also use easycron.com. Easycron.com is an online cron job service that provides users with a simple and easy way to set up automated tasks. With Easycron, users can create cron jobs to run scripts, send emails, or even perform other tasks at a specified time.

Easycron also offers advanced features such as scheduling multiple jobs at once, setting up recurring jobs, and monitoring the status of your cron jobs.

Additionally, Easycron allows users to manage their cron jobs from any device with an internet connection. This makes it easy for users to keep track of their scheduled tasks without having to worry about manually setting them up each time they need to be run.

In conclusion, understanding what a WordPress cron is and when to enable or disable it can help ensure that all of your scheduled tasks are performed correctly and on time. By using a real cron job instead of relying solely on the WP-Cron system, you can ensure that all of your scheduled tasks are performed even when there's no traffic on your website.

Notes: Exercise caution when you schedule cron jobs. If you schedule them to run too often, they may degrade performance.

Sources

• https://developer.wordpress.org/plugins/cron/
• https://www.wpbeginner.com/plugins/how-to-view-and-control-wordpress-cron-jobs/
• https://kinsta.com/knowledgebase/wordpress-cron-job/