What is the difference between Cron and Anacron?

[wisly.k]

In Linux shared hosting, where multiple users share server resources, Cron and Anacron is used to schedule and execute tasks for individual users or the system as a whole. A more detailed comparison of the two utilities can be seen in the table below:

Cron Anacron A Cron job can be scheduled by any normal user. Anacron can be scheduled only by a superuser (a superuser is a special user account used for system administration. Cron should be used when we want a job to be executed at a particular hour and minute. Anacron should be used when the job can be executed at any time. Cron is suitable for machines that are on 24x7 like servers. Anacron is Suitable for machines like laptops and desktops that are NOT on 24x7. Cron Requires the system to be continuously running Anacron Handles tasks even if the system is periodically offline Cron relies on the system clock and runs jobs based on pre-defined schedules, such as hourly, daily, weekly, or monthly. Anacron is designed for running jobs that may have been missed due to system downtime or being powered off. Cron uses the system-wide crontab file (/etc/crontab) and user-specific crontab files to define job schedules. Anacron, on the other hand, uses a configuration file (/etc/anacrontab) where users can specify the frequency and delay limits for running jobs. Cron requires more complex command scheduling. Anacron Offers simpler scheduling based on delay and frequency.

[Annie_P]

Please let me know What is the difference between Cron and Anacron?