Purpose

Runs scheduled tasks (WP-Cron) when triggered via web requests or server cron.

Flow

• Sets no-cache headers and finishes the client response early when possible.
• Ensures it is not running during POST/AJAX or nested cron calls.
• Defines DOING_CRON and loads WordPress if needed.
• Raises memory limit, obtains cron lock, and loads due events.
• Reschedules recurring events, unschedules current events, and fires each hook.
• Releases cron lock and exits.

Key functions called

• wp_get_ready_cron_jobs()
• get_transient() / set_transient() / delete_transient()
• wp_reschedule_event()
• wp_unschedule_event()
• do_action_ref_array()

Hooks fired

• Actions:
  • cron_reschedule_event_error
  • cron_unschedule_event_error
  • Dynamic scheduled hook names via do_action_ref_array( $hook, $args )