About the Task Manager

The Auggie CLI task manager allows you to break down complex problems into discrete, manageable actions and track your progress through each step. It’s particularly useful for automation workflows and keeping the agent focused on multi-step tasks. The task manager maintains state per session and stores tasks under ~/.augment for persistence across CLI sessions.

Activating the Task Manager

Start Auggie in interactive mode and use the /task slash command:
# Start Auggie in interactive mode
auggie

# Then type the slash command
/task
This opens the task manager interface, which takes over the main panel and provides a focused environment for task management.

Alternative Access

You can also ask the agent to create a task list for you:
auggie "Start a task list to implement user authentication"
The agent will automatically create and populate a task list when it encounters complex, multi-step problems.

Task Manager Interface

The task manager provides a scrollable interface with comprehensive theming and visual feedback. When active, it replaces the main chat interface to provide a focused task management experience. Use your keyboard to interact with the Task Manager:
KeyAction
/ Navigate between tasks. The active task is highlighted with • next to the [ ] Task Title.
J / KAlternative vim-style navigation (up/down)
AAdd a new task
EEdit the active task’s title and description
DDelete the active task
SpacebarToggle task status
EscDismiss the Task Manager

Task Status Indicators

Tasks have three distinct states with corresponding visual status indicators:
  • [ ] Not Started - Empty checkbox, task has not been started
  • [✓] Done - Checkmark, task has been completed
  • [-] Cancelled - Dash, task has been cancelled or is no longer needed

Working with Tasks

Creating Tasks

Manual Creation:
  1. Press A to add a new task
  2. Enter the task title when prompted
  3. Optionally add a description for more detailed context
Agent-Generated Tasks: The agent automatically creates tasks inside the Task Manager when it encounters complex problems. You can also explicitly request task creation:
"Create a task list to refactor the authentication system"

Editing Tasks

  1. Navigate to the desired task using arrow keys or J/K
  2. Press E to edit
  3. Modify the title first, then the description
  4. The task manager provides inline editing with clear visual feedback

Task Execution

Manual Execution:
  • Use the task list as a checklist, manually updating status as you complete work
  • Toggle status with Spacebar to track progress
Agent Execution: You can ask the agent to work on specific tasks from the task manager:
"Work on the first incomplete task in my task list"
"Complete the database migration task"
The agent will access your task list and update task status as it works.

Advanced Features

Task Hierarchy and Subtasks

The task manager supports nested task structures:
  • Main tasks can have subtasks for complex workflows
  • Subtasks are automatically indented and organized hierarchically
  • Navigate through nested structures using standard navigation keys

Persistence and Sessions

  • Tasks are automatically saved per session under ~/.augment
  • Task lists persist across CLI restarts within the same session
  • Each conversation session maintains its own task list

Integration with Agent Workflow

The task manager is designed to work seamlessly with agent automation:
  • Keeps agents focused: Provides clear structure for multi-step workflows
  • Progress tracking: Agent can update task status as it completes work
  • Context preservation: Tasks maintain context across long conversations
  • Automation-friendly: Particularly useful for non-interactive automation workflows

Use Cases and Examples

Development Workflow

auggie "Create a task list to implement user registration feature"
# Agent creates tasks like:
# [ ] Design user registration API endpoints
# [ ] Create user model and database schema
# [ ] Implement registration validation
# [ ] Add password hashing and security
# [ ] Write unit tests for registration
# [ ] Update API documentation

Code Refactoring

auggie "Break down refactoring the payment system into tasks"
# Agent creates structured tasks for complex refactoring

Bug Investigation

auggie "Create tasks to investigate and fix the login timeout issue"
# Agent creates systematic debugging tasks

Tips for Effective Task Management

  1. Be Specific: Create clear, actionable task descriptions
  2. Break Down Complex Work: Use subtasks for multi-step processes
  3. Regular Updates: Keep task status current for accurate progress tracking
  4. Agent Collaboration: Let the agent help create and organize task structures
  5. Session Organization: Use task lists to maintain focus across long sessions

Troubleshooting

Task Manager Won’t Open:
  • Ensure you’re in interactive mode (auggie without -p flag)
  • Try typing /task exactly as shown
  • Check that you’re not in the middle of another operation
Tasks Not Persisting:
  • Tasks are saved per session - starting a new session creates a new task list
  • Check that ~/.augment directory has proper write permissions
Navigation Issues:
  • Use either arrow keys (↑/↓) or vim keys (J/K) for navigation
  • Ensure the task manager has focus (not in edit mode)