How to Create a Cron Job in Laravel

Step 1: Create a New Artisan Command

Run the following command to create a new custom Artisan command:

php artisan make:command CustomCronJob

This will generate a command file in app/Console/Commands/CustomCronJob.php.

Step 2: Define the Command Logic

Open the generated command file and modify the handle method:

namespace App\Console\Commands;

use Illuminate\Console\Command;
use Log;

class CustomCronJob extends Command
{
    protected $signature = 'custom:cron';
    protected $description = 'Execute a scheduled task';

    public function handle()
    {
        Log::info('Cron job executed successfully.');
    }
}

Step 3: Register the Command in Kernel

Open app/Console/Kernel.php and schedule the command inside the schedule method:

protected function schedule(Schedule $schedule)
{
    $schedule->command('custom:cron')->everyMinute();
}

Step 4: Set Up the Cron Job

Open the server's crontab file:

crontab -e

Add the following line at the end of the file:

* * * * * php /path-to-your-project/artisan schedule:run >> /dev/null 2>&1

Step 5: Verify the Cron Job

Check Laravel logs or run the command manually to ensure it's working:

php artisan custom:cron

Conclusion

Now your Laravel cron job is successfully set up and will run at the defined intervals automatically.