TickerQ is a background task scheduler for .NET that uses source generators to eliminate reflection and enable ahead-of-time compilation.
TickerQ addresses the need for reliable, performant job scheduling in .NET applications. It uses source generators to register tasks at compile time rather than relying on runtime reflection, which eliminates magic strings and enables full trimming for AOT scenarios. Jobs can be scheduled using time-based or cron expressions, with support for one-off and recurring execution. The tool persists job state either through EF Core against standard databases like PostgreSQL, SQL Server, SQLite, or MySQL, or through Redis, eliminating the need for a separate storage system. A built-in real-time dashboard powered by SignalR provides monitoring, inspection, and management capabilities without requiring paid add-ons.
Teams building .NET applications that need background job processing should consider TickerQ if they value performance and want to avoid reflection overhead. It suits projects ranging from simple scheduled tasks to distributed multi-node setups, where Redis heartbeats and lock-based coordination handle dead-node cleanup and scheduling across instances. The minimal setup—adding the service, decorating a method, and scheduling—makes it accessible for quick integration. The tool supports dependency injection natively and includes configurable retry policies with backoff for resilience.
Development activity shows consistent engagement with regular commits across multiple areas of the codebase. The project maintains active communication through a Discord community channel. Documentation is comprehensive and actively maintained at the project's dedicated website. The maintainers have established a structured approach to funding through an OpenCollective page, indicating a commitment to sustainable development.
