# GNU micron

> implementation of the UNIX cron daemon

**Wikidata**: [Q132798329](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q132798329)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/gnu-micron

## Summary
GNU micron is a free software implementation of the UNIX cron daemon, serving as a job scheduler within the GNU Project. Developed and maintained by programmer Sergey Poznyakoff, it functions as a distinct GNU package that allows users to run, study, change, and distribute it freely. It differs from GNU Mcron and reached stable version 1.4 on August 5, 2024.

## Key Facts
- Instance of: job scheduler, GNU package (since 2024), free software (since 2020)
- Implementation of: cron (UNIX cron daemon)
- Creator: Sergey Poznyakoff (programmer and GNU maintainer)
- Maintained by: Sergey Poznyakoff (since 2020)
- Copyright holder: Sergey Poznyakoff (since 2020)
- Copyright status: copyrighted
- Part of: GNU Project (since 2024), a free software project started on September 27, 1983
- Inception: 2020
- Latest version: 1.4 (stable version, released August 5, 2024; download: https://ftpmirror.gnu.org/micron/micron-1.4.tar.gz)
- Aliases: Micron
- Website: https://www.gnu.org/software/micron/ (English language)
- Source code repositories: https://git.savannah.gnu.org/cgit/micron.git (preferred, cgit interface), https://git.savannah.gnu.org/gitweb/?p=micron.git (Gitweb interface); GNU Savannah project ID: micron
- Different from: GNU Mcron
- Related class: free software (software distributed under terms allowing users to freely run, study, change, and distribute it and modified versions; sitelink_count: 120)
- Wikidata description: implementation of the UNIX cron daemon

## FAQs
**What is GNU micron and what does it do?**  
GNU micron provides a free software version of the UNIX cron daemon, acting as a job scheduler. It enables automated task execution under terms that permit free running, studying, changing, and distribution.

**Who created and maintains GNU micron?**  
Sergey Poznyakoff, a programmer and GNU maintainer, created it and holds the copyright since 2020. He continues maintenance starting from that year.

**How is GNU micron connected to the GNU Project?**  
It became part of the GNU Project in 2024 as a GNU package. The broader GNU Project began on September 27, 1983, focusing on free software in the software industry.

**What is the latest version of GNU micron and where can I get it?**  
Version 1.4 is the stable release from August 5, 2024. Access it via https://ftpmirror.gnu.org/micron/micron-1.4.tar.gz or the official site https://www.gnu.org/software/micron/.

**Where is the source code for GNU micron hosted?**  
Primary repository at https://git.savannah.gnu.org/cgit/micron.git using cgit. Alternative Gitweb view at https://git.savannah.gnu.org/gitweb/?p=micron.git; project ID on GNU Savannah is micron.

**How does GNU micron differ from other cron tools?**  
It stands apart from GNU Mcron as a separate implementation. Unlike proprietary options, it qualifies as free software since 2020 with open distribution rights.

## Why It Matters
GNU micron addresses the need for a reliable, libre alternative to proprietary or less flexible cron daemons in UNIX-like environments, empowering users in the free software ecosystem to schedule jobs without licensing restrictions. By joining the GNU Project in 2024, it strengthens the project's mission—initiated in 1983—to deliver fully free operating system components, particularly for those avoiding GNU Mcron. Its maintenance by Sergey Poznyakoff ensures ongoing stability, as seen in the 1.4 release, while repositories on GNU Savannah foster community contributions under free software principles that have influenced software freedom for decades. This tool solves automation gaps in GNU-centric systems, promoting study, modification, and redistribution to advance open-source scheduling practices.

## Notable For
- Distinct cron daemon reimplementation separate from GNU Mcron, avoiding overlap in GNU's scheduling tools.
- Stable version 1.4 release on August 5, 2024, with direct tarball availability from GNU mirrors.
- Integration as a GNU package since 2024, aligning with the project's 1983 inception for free software.
- Dual source repositories on Savannah (cgit preferred and Gitweb), easing access under Git protocol.
- Free software status since 2020, explicitly enabling user freedoms in a copyrighted package.
- Solo maintenance and copyright by Sergey Poznyakoff, a dedicated GNU maintainer.

## Body
### Overview and Classification
GNU micron operates as an implementation of the UNIX cron daemon, classified as a job scheduler. It holds instance_of status for GNU package since 2024 and free software since 2020. Free software here means distribution under terms allowing users to freely run, study, change, and distribute it and modified versions, with a sitelink_count of 120. Its wikidata_description confirms it as an implementation of the UNIX cron daemon. Aliases include simply Micron.

### Development and Maintenance
Sergey Poznyakoff created GNU micron. As a programmer and GNU maintainer, his occupation drives its development. He maintains it since 2020. Poznyakoff also serves as copyright holder since 2020, with copyrighted status. Related connections highlight him in free software contexts.

### GNU Project Integration
GNU micron forms part of the GNU Project since 2024. The GNU Project itself is a free software project with inception on 1983-09-27, backed by a Google Groups reference (https://groups.google.com/forum/#!msg/net.unix-wizards/8twfRPM79u0/1xlglzrWrU0J). It operates in the software industry, per Russian Wikipedia (https://ru.wikipedia.org/?oldid=92006007) and Wikidata, with sitelink_count of 39.

### Versions and Releases
Version 1.4 marks the stable version, released on 2024-08-05. Download available at https://ftpmirror.gnu.org/micron/micron-1.4.tar.gz. This references Sergey Poznyakoff, English language, statement date 2025-02-27, Savannah news (https://savannah.gnu.org/news/?id=10577, ), title "Version 1.4", and publication_date 2024.

### Official Resources
The website is https://www.gnu.org/software/micron/ in English. Inception occurred in 2020.

### Source Code Access
Source code resides at https://git.savannah.gnu.org/cgit/micron.git (preferred, qualifiers :  for Git, : cgit). Alternative at https://git.savannah.gnu.org/gitweb/?p=micron.git (: , : Gitweb). GNU Savannah project_id is micron.

### Distinctions and Relations
GNU micron differs from GNU Mcron. It implements cron while fitting GNU's free software framework. No SEO data available yet.

## References

1. [Version 1.4. 2024](https://savannah.gnu.org/news/?id=10577)