| name | inv-runner |
| description | Python Invoke task automation for DTX website. This skill should be used when running repo commands, backend tests via Docker, database migrations, updating invoke tasks, Docker operations, or workflow automation. Supports dev/test/prod environments with run, exec, up, down commands. References docs/development/invoke-tasks.md for complete command reference. |
Invoke Runner Skill
Python Invoke task automation for the DTX website project.
Documentation References (Single Source of Truth)
For complete command reference, consult these mkdocs files:
| Document | Content |
|---|
docs/development/invoke-tasks.md | Complete invoke command reference |
docs/development/backend-quickstart.md | Backend development quickstart |
docs/development/testing.md | Testing procedures including worktree verification |
Running Invoke Commands
Method 1: PATH Prefix (Recommended for Claude)
When bash hooks block source commands, prepend the venv bin to PATH:
PATH=".venv/bin:$PATH" inv <command>
For worktrees, use the full path:
PATH="/path/to/worktree/.venv/bin:$PATH" /path/to/worktree/.venv/bin/inv <command>
Method 2: Poetry Run
poetry run inv <command>
Method 3: Activate venv
source .venv/bin/activate
inv <command>
Why PATH Matters
Invoke tasks call python manage.py or other Python commands. Without venv bin in PATH:
/bin/bash: line 1: python: command not found
PATH prefix ensures subprocess calls find the correct Python interpreter.
Key Patterns
Run vs Exec
run - One-off command in NEW container (with --rm):
inv test.run --cmd 'python manage.py test app.tests -v 2'
exec - Command in RUNNING container:
inv dev.exec backend 'python manage.py shell'
Environment-Specific Commands
All environments (dev, test, prod) support:
inv <env>.up
inv <env>.down
inv <env>.logs
inv <env>.run --cmd '<cmd>'
Database Operations
inv db.migrate.all
inv db.migrate.test
inv db.populate.all
Adding a new Django app: inv db.migrate.* runs
python manage.py makemigrations <apps> with an explicit app list
defined at backend/tasks.py::apps (it does NOT auto-discover from
INSTALLED_APPS). When you scaffold a new app, append it there too —
otherwise makemigrations silently skips it. Reference impl:
the user app entry in
backend/tasks.py:27. Registering in settings.INSTALLED_APPS
covers migrate but not makemigrations in this project.
Testing (Docker - Recommended)
Avoid Redis hanging issues by running tests in Docker:
inv test.run --cmd 'python manage.py test app.tests -v 2'
Cypress E2E
inv test.setup
inv test.spec --spec navigation
inv test.headless
Worktree Workflow
From worktree root:
cd /path/to/worktree
PATH=".venv/bin:$PATH" inv test.down
PATH=".venv/bin:$PATH" inv test.setup
PATH=".venv/bin:$PATH" inv db.migrate.test
PATH=".venv/bin:$PATH" inv db.populate.all
PATH=".venv/bin:$PATH" inv test.up
Common Issues
| Issue | Solution |
|---|
python: command not found | Use PATH prefix method |
| Redis connection errors | Use Docker: inv test.run --cmd '...' |
| Tests hang on cleanup | Use Docker: inv test.run --cmd '...' |
| Module not found | Ensure correct venv is activated |
When Modifying Tasks
Update these files when changing invoke tasks:
docs/development/invoke-tasks.md (primary reference)
docs/development/backend-quickstart.md (if backend-related)