gocron

Self-Hosted

Lightweight cron-like job scheduler for self-hosted automation

Overview

gocron is a distributed, cross-platform job scheduler inspired by cron, built for self-hosted workflow automation. It supports standard cron expressions, one-time tasks, and recurring jobs with flexible rules. Key features include a web-based UI for job management, HTTP request triggers, command execution, and job dependency chains. Deploy easily via Docker containers, pre-built binaries for major OSes, or source code. Lightweight and scalable, it’s ideal for automating routine tasks like backups, data syncs, or API calls while keeping control over your infrastructure.

Self-Hosting Resources

Find Official Image on Docker Hub View Source & Docs

Below is a reference structure for docker-compose.yml. ⚠️ Do NOT run blindly. Replace placeholders with official values.

docker-compose.template.yml TEMPLATE


version: '3'
services:
  gocron:
    image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
    container_name: gocron
    ports:
      - "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
    volumes:
      - ./data:/app/data
    restart: unless-stopped

Key Features

Cron expression & flexible scheduling support
Web UI for job creation/monitoring
HTTP request & command task execution
Distributed job scheduling capability
Docker & binary deployment options

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is gocron hard to install?

No—gocron offers simple deployment paths: use a pre-built Docker image (single command), download binaries for Linux/macOS/Windows, or compile from source. The web UI is accessible immediately after setup, making it easy for beginners.

? Is it a good alternative to Cronitor?

Yes for self-hosted needs. Unlike Cronitor (SaaS), gocron lets you host on your infrastructure, avoiding subscriptions and retaining data control. It lacks some of Cronitor’s advanced monitoring but covers core scheduling with a user-friendly UI.

? Is it completely free?

Absolutely! gocron is open-source under the MIT License. There are no paid tiers, hidden costs, or restrictions—use it for personal or commercial projects without fees.

Top Alternatives

Cronitor (proprietary) Search Google

Control-M (enterprise) Search Google

Windows Task Scheduler (proprietary) Search Google

Tool Info

Pricing Free/Open Source

Category Automation

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ Open-source with no usage fees
⊕ Lightweight resource footprint
⊕ Easy to deploy via Docker
⊕ Cross-platform compatibility

Cons

⊖ Limited advanced monitoring vs enterprise tools
⊖ Requires basic server management skills
⊖ No native cloud SaaS integration