Run Multiple Cron Jobs at the Same Time
You can schedule any number of jobs for the same minute — just add a separate crontab line for each. If they must run in order, chain them in one line instead.
Separate lines (run in parallel)
Each crontab line is independent. These both fire at 02:00 and run concurrently:
0 2 * * * /path/backup.sh
0 2 * * * /path/cleanup.sh
One line, in order
To guarantee order, chain with && so the second runs only if the first succeeds:
0 2 * * * /path/backup.sh && /path/cleanup.sh
Use ; instead of && to run the second regardless of the first's exit code.
Many steps: use a wrapper
For several ordered steps, put them in one script and schedule that: 0 2 * * * /path/nightly.sh. Easier to read and to log.
FAQ
How do I run multiple cron jobs at the same time?
Add a separate crontab line for each with the same schedule; they run concurrently. For example two lines both at 0 2 * * *.
How do I make cron jobs run in a specific order?
Chain them in one line: 0 2 * * * a.sh && b.sh runs b.sh only if a.sh succeeds. Use ; to run b.sh regardless.
What's the cleanest way to run many steps at once?
Put the steps in a single wrapper script and schedule that one script. It's easier to read, order, and log than many lines.