Spring Cron-Based Job with REST Endpoint
What is Spring Cron-Based Job with REST Endpoint ?
A Spring cron-based job with a REST endpoint is like setting an alarm clock for your code. It means that your app will automatically perform a task at a scheduled time, and with REST, you can even trigger that task manually via an API.
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Spring Boot | A Java framework to build backend apps |
Cron Expression | Timing rule to run tasks (like “every day at 10 AM”) |
REST Endpoint | A URL that lets others trigger the job manually |

A Spring cron job is like setting an alarm clock in your Java code. It tells your program to automatically do something at a specific time, without you having to click anything.
Example:
You want your app to send a daily report email every morning at 9 AM.
Instead of doing it manually, you write a Spring cron job that automatically runs this task every day at 9 AM.
How it works:
In Spring Boot (a Java framework), you write a method and add a special tag like this:
@Scheduled(cron = “0 0 9 * * ?”) // Run every day at 9 AM
public void sendDailyReport() {
// logic to send report
}
So now, every day at 9 AM, your method runs — like a well-trained assistant that never forgets!
Why it’s useful:
No need to open the app or press a button
Great for automating daily tasks
Used in real-world apps like banking, healthcare, farming, and e-commerce
Works even if you’re not watching (like a background helper)
Bonus – Spring Cron-Based Job with REST Endpoint :
You can even add a REST endpoint so that you (or someone else) can also trigger that job manually using a URL — like hitting a button on a remote control.
Future of Spring Cron Jobs in Tech
Trend | Prediction |
---|---|
Automation | 80% tasks will be scheduled or triggered |
REST Growth | More devices will use APIs to interact |
Java Microservices | Cron jobs play a vital role in distributed systems |
Cloud Deployments | Cron + REST APIs are core in CI/CD pipelines |
Why Students & Tech Should Learn It
In today’s software world, automated background tasks are everywhere: sending emails, data backups, reports, server pings, etc. Knowing how to build them gives you a real edge.
Why It Matters | Real-Life Use |
---|---|
In-demand skill | Used in every enterprise Java project |
Automation | Helps reduce manual work |
Microservices | Ideal for modern service architecture |
Interview questions | Often asked in Spring Boot interviews |
Scope of Cron Jobs in Programming
Industry | Use of Cron Jobs |
---|---|
Fintech | Scheduled transactions & reporting |
E-commerce | Auto-inventory sync |
Healthcare | Data processing & alerts |
Social Media | Post scheduling & notifications |
Government | Auto-reports & compliance |
REST Endpoint Explained
A REST Endpoint is just a web URL like /trigger-task
that anyone (or any system) can call to run your cron job manually.
Term | Meaning |
---|---|
REST | Representational State Transfer |
Endpoint | URL to interact with the job |
Method | Usually POST or GET |
Security | Can be protected via tokens |
Perfect! You can easily integrate your Spring cron-based job with a REST endpoint, so it can be triggered:
-
Automatically via Cron, and
-
Manually via HTTP GET request.
✅ Updated Structure Overview
Component | Purpose |
---|---|
MyTestService |
Business logic |
MyCronScheduler |
Cron job that calls the service |
TriggerController |
REST controller to trigger manually |
✅ 1. MyTestService.java
(Same as before)
import org.springframework.stereotype.Service;
@Service
public class MyTestService {
public void executeTask() {
System.out.println(“✅ Service method called at: “ + java.time.LocalTime.now());
// Your business logic here
}
}
✅ 2. MyCronScheduler.java
(Cron Job Trigger)
import org.springframework.beans.factory.annotation.Autowired;
import org.springframework.scheduling.annotation.Scheduled;
import org.springframework.stereotype.Component;
@Component
public class MyCronScheduler {
@Autowired
private MyTestService myTestService;
// Automatically runs every 30 seconds
@Scheduled(cron = “*/30 * * * * *”)
public void runTask() {
System.out.println(“🕒 Cron Job Triggered”);
myTestService.executeTask();
}
}
✅ 3. TriggerController.java
(Manual REST Trigger)
import org.springframework.beans.factory.annotation.Autowired;
import org.springframework.web.bind.annotation.*;
@RestController
@RequestMapping(“/api”)
public class TriggerController {
@Autowired
private MyTestService myTestService;
@GetMapping(“/trigger-task”)
public String triggerManually() {
System.out.println(“📡 Manual Trigger via REST”);
myTestService.executeTask();
return “Task executed manually at: “ + java.time.LocalTime.now();
}
}
✅ 4. CronTestApplication.java
import org.springframework.boot.SpringApplication;
import org.springframework.boot.autoconfigure.SpringBootApplication;
import org.springframework.scheduling.annotation.EnableScheduling;
@SpringBootApplication
@EnableScheduling
public class CronTestApplication {
public static void main(String[] args) {
SpringApplication.run(CronTestApplication.class, args);
}
}
✅ 5. Run and Test
✅ Manual Trigger
-
Run your Spring Boot app.
-
Open browser or Postman:
GET http://localhost:8080/api/trigger-task
Console log:
📡 Manual Trigger via REST
✅ Service method called at: 13:23:45
✅ Auto Cron Trigger
Every 30 seconds, you’ll also see:
🕒 Cron Job Triggered
✅ Service method called at: 13:24:00
💡 Optional Enhancements
-
Add POST request with payload.
-
Add authentication.
-
Log to a file instead of console.
-
Return detailed response from service (status, logs, etc.).
Would you like me to include these enhancements or show how to test it via Postman/cURL?
Internal Link Spring Cron-Based Job with REST Endpoint
👉 Learn more on techshitanshu.com
🌍 External Link (Trusted Tech Source)
👉 Spring Scheduler Guide – Baeldung
💬 FAQs
Question | Answer |
---|---|
What is the use of cron job in Spring? | Automates background tasks |
Can we use REST to trigger cron job? | Yes, using a controller |
Is it used in real projects? | Yes, from fintech to farming tech |
What if I miss the cron time? | Use the REST endpoint to run it manually |
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