> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://strangebutohwell.gitbook.io/knowledge/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://strangebutohwell.gitbook.io/knowledge/linux/administration/cron/cron.d-directory.md).

# cron.d Directory

Designed to allow packages to install crontab snippets without having to modify /etc/crontab

In Debian derivatives, including Lubuntu, the files in `/etc/cron.d` are effectively `/etc/crontab` snippets, with the same format. 

The **cron.d** directory is designed to allow packages to install crontab snippets without having to modify `/etc/crontab`

Quoting [the `cron` manpage](https://manpages.debian.org/stretch/cron/cron.8):

> Additionally, in Debian, `cron` reads the files in the `/etc/cron.d` directory. `cron` treats the files in `/etc/cron.d` as in the same way as the `/etc/crontab` file (they follow the special format of that file, i.e. they include the user field). However, they are independent of `/etc/crontab`: they do not, for example, inherit environment variable settings from it. This change is specific to Debian see the note under DEBIAN SPECIFIC below.
>
> Like `/etc/crontab`, the files in the `/etc/cron.d` directory are monitored for changes. In general, the system administrator should not use `/etc/cron.d/`, but use the standard system crontab `/etc/crontab`.

The Debian-specific section hints at the reason system administrators shouldn’t use `/etc/cron.d`:

> Support for `/etc/cron.d` (drop-in dir for package crontabs)

.