| name | long-task |
| description | Initialize or resume a long-running task session. Use when starting a complex multi-session task, resuming work from a previous session, or when the user mentions claude-progress.json or long-running work. |
| execution | direct |
Long Task Management
Mind-powered persistence for tasks that span multiple sessions.
Quick Commands
/long-task - Show active task or start new one
/long-task status - Show current task status
/long-task complete - Mark task as completed
Starting a Task
When starting a long-running task:
Use long_task_start with:
- task_id: unique identifier (e.g., "implement-feature-x")
- goal: clear description of what you're trying to achieve
- hard_checks: deterministic completion criteria (optional)
- soft_checks: semantic completion criteria (optional)
How It Works
- SessionStart: If active task exists, context auto-injects
- During work: Log significant events with
long_task_event
- Stop hook: Automatically logs checkpoint and increments iteration
- Completion: Mark with
[TASK_COMPLETE] or call long_task_complete
MCP Tools
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|
long_task_start | Start a new long-running task |
long_task_get | Get task details by ID |
long_task_active | Get active task for realm |
long_task_update | Update progress (completed_summary, work_items, blockers) |
long_task_complete | Mark task as completed |
long_task_event | Log event (decision, error, checkpoint) |
long_task_snapshot | Get synthesized context |
long_task_evaluate | Check completion criteria |
Process
If no arguments (show status or start)
- Check for active task with
long_task_active
- If found: show snapshot with
long_task_snapshot
- If not found: ask user for task goal and start new task
If "status" argument
- Get active task with
long_task_active
- Show detailed snapshot with mode="debug"
If "complete" argument
- Get active task
- Ask for outcome summary
- Call
long_task_complete
Example Usage
Start a task:
/long-task
> No active task. What's your goal?
> Implement the authentication system
Starting task: implement-auth
Goal: Implement the authentication system
Check status:
/long-task status
[LONG_TASK:implement-auth] Implement the authentication system
Iteration: 3 | Status: active
Done: Added login form, API endpoints
Pending: Add password reset; Add OAuth
Complete task:
/long-task complete
Outcome: Authentication system fully implemented with login, logout, and OAuth
Completed task: implement-auth
Completion Markers
The Stop hook detects these markers to auto-complete:
[TASK_COMPLETE]
[DONE]
<promise>COMPLETE</promise>
Multi-Agent Support
Tasks support lease-based coordination:
task_claim: Claim task with lease
task_heartbeat: Extend lease
- Expired leases allow other agents to take over