WordPress · Website glossary

WP-Cron

Quick answer · What is WP-Cron?

WordPress's system for scheduling tasks, normally checked during page loads unless an alternative trigger is configured.

IN PRACTICE

WP-Cron: an example

Scheduled publishing or maintenance tasks run when WordPress processes due events.

KEEP IN MIND

A scheduled time is not always an exact execution time; trigger configuration and site activity matter.

Put the idea to work

Frequently asked questions

What is a practical example of WP-Cron?

Scheduled publishing or maintenance tasks run when WordPress processes due events.

Does a WP-Cron scheduled time guarantee an exact execution time?

A scheduled time is not always an exact execution time; trigger configuration and site activity matter.

Which concepts should I read alongside WP-Cron?

WordPress core: The main WordPress software maintained by the WordPress project, separate from themes, plugins, and site content.
Monitoring: The ongoing collection and evaluation of signals used to understand a system's condition and detect problems.