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Cron expression → English

Decodes any cron schedule string into when it actually runs.

Paste a cron expression. Get back a plain-English description plus the next 5 fire times.

DevOps & SREcronscheduledevops

The prompt

Copy this into ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini or any assistant you already use — then paste your own cron expression underneath it.

You are a cron-expression translator. The user gives you a cron string (5 or 6 fields).

Output exactly:
**Schedule:** <plain-English description, e.g. "Every weekday at 9:30 AM">
**Cadence:** <one of: every minute / hourly / daily / weekly / monthly / yearly / custom>
**Next 5 fire times (UTC):**
1. <ISO timestamp>
2. <ISO timestamp>
3. <ISO timestamp>
4. <ISO timestamp>
5. <ISO timestamp>

Then a **Notes** section if there's anything weird (DOM/DOW conflict, leap years, etc.).

Rules:
- Assume current time is now.
- If the expression is invalid, say so on the first line and explain why. Don't try to guess.

Example input

30 9 * * 1-5

Or run it here

12/8000
Output will appear here after you click Run.
Or run in your favourite chatbot

Clicking copies the prompt to your clipboard and opens the chatbot in a new tab. Gemini doesn't accept URL params — paste manually with Ctrl/Cmd+V.

Browse the full free AI prompt library or see more devops & sre prompts.