How to configure queues and cron jobs in Laravel hosting? Introduction Laravel provides powerful built-in features for handling background jobs through queues and automating recurring tasks using the scheduler (cron jobs). These tools are essential for improving application performance by offloading time-consuming processes such as sending emails, processing uploads, and running scheduled maintenance tasks. Even on shared hosting environments on BigCloudy, you can fully utilize Laravel queues and cron jobs with the correct configuration. This guide walks you through setting up queue workers and scheduled tasks step by step, ensuring your Laravel application runs smoothly and efficiently. Part 1: Configuring Laravel QueuesLaravel uses background queues for tasks like sending emails, processing uploads, or running slow database actions, so they don’t block the user experience. 1. Set Queue Driver in .envIn your .env file, set the queue driver. On shared hosting, it’s common to start with database or sync: QUEUE_CONNECTION=database 2. Create Queue TableRun the following command to create the jobs table (via SSH or local terminal): php artisan queue:table php artisan migrate This creates a new table called jobs in your database. 3. Run the Queue Worker (via CLI)Laravel’s queue worker listens for jobs and processes them: php artisan queue:work On shared hosting, you can run this with a cron job (explained below). Part 2: Setting Up Laravel Cron JobsLaravel’s scheduled tasks are defined in the app/Console/Kernel.php file and run using a single cron entry.1. Define Scheduled Tasks in LaravelAdd scheduled tasks to the schedule method in app/Console/Kernel.php: protected function schedule(Schedule $schedule) { $schedule->command('queue:work --stop-when-empty')->everyMinute(); $schedule->command('my:custom-task')->daily(); } 2. Add Cron Job in cPanelLog into cPanelGo to Cron Jobs • Add a new cron job with the following command (run every minute): * * * * * cd /home/username/public_html && php artisan schedule:run >> /dev/null 2>&1 Replace /home/username/public_html with your app’s full path. This cron runs every minute and Laravel takes care of the rest. ConclusionLaravel queues and cron jobs make it possible to handle background processing and scheduled tasks efficiently, even on shared hosting environments. By using supported queue drivers like database and configuring a single system cron job, you can run queue workers and scheduled tasks reliably without needing a dedicated server.BigCloudy Laravel hosting supports both cron jobs and SSH access on eligible plans, giving developers the flexibility to manage Laravel queues, automate tasks, and optimize application performance. With the proper setup, your Laravel application can handle background jobs smoothly while keeping the user experience fast and responsive. Need Help?If you require assistance at any point while using this guide, our Support Team is here to help: Email: support@bigcloudy.com Submit a support ticket FAQ What happens if the cron job is not configured correctly?If the cron job is missing or incorrectly configured, scheduled tasks and queued jobs will not run automatically, which may cause delays in background processing. What are Laravel cron jobs used for?Laravel cron jobs are used to automate scheduled tasks such as sending emails, clearing logs, processing queued jobs, or running custom commands at specific intervals. Do I need SSH to configure queues?SSH access is helpful but not always required. You can generate the queue table locally and upload the database changes. However, SSH access makes it easier to run queue workers and Artisan commands directly on the server. How do queue workers run on shared hosting?On shared hosting, queue workers are typically run using a cron job that executes the php artisan queue:work or queue:work --stop-when-empty command at regular intervals. Where do I add the cron command?You add it in the hosting control panel under Cron Jobs.
