Claude Code TASKS

type: feature

purpose: File-system persisted task management replacing TodoWrite for complex multi-session coordination


TASKS vs TodoWrite

type: comparison

todos_limitations:
Memory-only (lost on session close)
Flat list (no dependencies)
Single session only
No sub-agent coordination

tasks_advantages:
File-system persisted
Dependency support
Multi-session collaboration
Sub-agent coordination
Broadcast updates across sessions


Task List Sharing

type: config

usage: Set same ID across multiple Claude Code sessions to share task list


Task Dependencies

type: pattern

description: Tasks can define dependencies in metadata - Task C waits for A and B, Task D depends on C but E doesn't

benefit: Mirrors real project workflows where tasks have prerequisites


Multi-Agent Collaboration

description: Multiple sub-agents or Claude Code sessions can work on same task list simultaneously

behavior: When one session updates a task, change broadcasts to all other sessions

use_case: One agent on auth, another on database, third on tests - all see shared progress


TASKS Complements Ralph (NOT Replaces)

type: insight

description: TASKS does NOT replace Ralph Wiggum loops - they serve different purposes

ralph_unique_value: Stop hook blocks exit, reinjects prompt - forces completion when Claude tries to quit

tasks_unique_value: Coordination and persistence across sessions

combined_use: Use Ralph for single-minded completion, TASKS for multi-agent coordination

source_quote: tasks won't completely replace those. Ralph is still useful for that single-minded don't stop until it's done behavior


When to Use TASKS

type: guideline

skip_for:
Small tasks
Single function refactors
Simple bug fixes

use_for:
Full features across multiple files
Large refactors
Test suite creation
Multi-session coordination


Recommended TASKS Workflow

steps: Ask Claude to break down into tasks with dependencies

steps: Spin up multiple sub-agents for independent branches

steps: Each sub-agent works in own context but sees shared task list

steps: When one finishes, others see update and unblock dependent tasks


CLI and SDK Support

type: integration

supports:
claude -p (CLI mode)
Agent SDK
Multiple terminal sessions

coordination: All instances with same TASK_LIST_ID collaborate on shared tasks


Current Limitations

type: caveat

issues: No visual dashboard (terminal only, Ctrl+T to toggle)

workaround: Community may build visual interfaces


Genesis Integration Strategy

type: strategic

insight: TASKS complements Ralph loops - use BOTH for maximum effectiveness

action: Ralph for completion enforcement + TASKS for cross-terminal coordination

benefit: Ralph ensures each terminal finishes its work, TASKS coordinates what work they do