The term cron is a daemon that executes commands at specified interval. Drupal cron executes commands or scripts automatically at specified interval.

In the context of Drupal, cron refers to a system task scheduler rather than the standard Unix cron utility. The Drupal cron is a built-in feature that automates various system tasks, such as checking for updates, sending out scheduled emails, and performing other routine maintenance tasks. It is essential for keeping a Drupal website healthy and functioning optimally.

Here’s a succinct answer you might give in an interview:

“Drupal cron is a system task scheduler built into Drupal core. It automates various maintenance tasks such as checking for updates, sending scheduled emails, and executing other routine processes to keep the website running smoothly.”