jasona7/mcp-crontab-server
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MCP Crontab Explorer is a terminal-based UI for exploring and monitoring crontab entries using the Model Context Protocol (MCP).
MCP Crontab Server
An MCP server for exploring, explaining, and managing crontab entries. Works with Claude Desktop, Claude Code, and any MCP client.
Standout features: Explain cron expressions in plain English and calculate upcoming execution times — no more guessing what */15 9-17 * * 1-5 means.
Quick Start
Claude Desktop
Add to your Claude Desktop config (claude_desktop_config.json):
{
"mcpServers": {
"crontab": {
"command": "uvx",
"args": ["mcp-crontab-server"]
}
}
}
Claude Code
claude mcp add crontab -- uvx mcp-crontab-server
Install from source
git clone https://github.com/jalloway/mcp-crontab-server.git
cd mcp-crontab-server
pip install -e .
mcp-crontab-server
Tools
| Tool | Description |
|---|---|
list_crontab | List all crontab entries for the current user |
search_crontab | Search entries by keyword (case-insensitive) |
get_cron_logs | Recent cron execution logs (journalctl / syslog) |
explain_cron_expression | Explain a cron expression in plain English |
next_runs | Calculate the next N execution times |
validate_cron_expression | Check if an expression is syntactically valid |
add_cron_entry | Add a new entry to the user's crontab |
remove_cron_entry | Remove entries matching a pattern |
Example Conversations
"What does this cron expression mean?"
explain_cron_expression("*/15 9-17 * * 1-5")Every 15 minutes, from 9:00 AM through 5:59 PM, Monday through Friday
"When will this job run next?"
next_runs("0 2 * * 0", count=3)Next 3 runs for '0 2 * * 0':
- 2026-03-01 02:00:00 Sunday
- 2026-03-08 02:00:00 Sunday
- 2026-03-15 02:00:00 Sunday
"Is this valid?"
validate_cron_expression("60 * * * *")Invalid: Value 60 out of range (0-59) in minute field
Development
pip install -e .
# Run with MCP inspector
fastmcp dev src/mcp_crontab_server/server.py
# Run directly (stdio transport, default)
mcp-crontab-server
# Run with SSE transport
mcp-crontab-server --transport sse
Requirements
- Python 3.10+
- Linux/macOS (uses
crontabcommand) fastmcp>=2.0.0,croniter>=1.0.0
