---
title: "Explain a crontab expression"
url: https://perrotta.dev/2024/07/explain-a-crontab-expression/
last_updated: 2025-09-05
---


Given, for example, `0 0 * * *`, how do you figure out when it will run?

- Option 1: Read the docs! The [ArchWiki](https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Cron)
  is frequently a great reference. Alternatively, use your favorite search
  engine.
- Option 2: Ask ChatGPT! A simple `cron: 0 0 * * *` prompt is enough. No need
  to embezzle it with `explain what this does` or `what does this do?`.
- Option 3: Paste it into https://crontab.guru/.