# Task Todo List

> Track and manage tasks with AI-generated todo lists

- 网址：https://funcoding.ai/agents/kilo-code/code-with-ai/features/task-todo-list/
- 来源：Kilo Code 官方文档原文（英文），MIT 许可，同步于 2026-10-11
- 官方原文：https://kilo.ai/docs/code-with-ai/features/task-todo-list

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**The big picture**: Never lose track of complex development tasks again. Task Todo Lists create interactive, persistent checklists that live right in your chat interface.

**Why it matters**: Complex workflows have lots of moving parts. Without structure, it's easy to miss steps, duplicate work, or forget what comes next.

![Task Todo List overview showing interactive checklist in Kilo Code](https://kilo.ai/docs/img/screenshot-tests/kilo-vscode/visual-regression/composite-webview/todo-write-docs-overview-chromium-linux.png)

## How to trigger todo lists

**Automatic triggers**:

- Complex tasks with multiple steps
- Working in Architect mode
- Multi-phase workflows with dependencies

**Manual triggers**:

- Ask Kilo to "use the [`todowrite` tool](https://funcoding.ai/agents/kilo-code/automate/tools/)"
- Say "create a todo list"

**The bottom line**: Kilo decides what goes in the list, but you can provide feedback during approval dialogs.

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## How todo lists are updated

Todo lists are managed with the [`todowrite` tool](https://funcoding.ai/agents/kilo-code/automate/tools/). Each update replaces the entire checklist with the latest view of the task.

Kilo updates the list when:

- New steps are discovered
- Items are completed or reprioritized
- You explicitly ask for a todo list

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## The old way vs. the new way

**Before**: You juggled task steps in your head or scattered notes, constantly wondering "what's next?"

**Now**: Kilo creates structured checklists that update automatically as work progresses. You see exactly where you are and what's coming up.

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## Where todo lists appear

**1. Session Dock**
A progress chip above the prompt shows how many items are done and the item Kilo works on now

![Todo progress chip in the session dock, next to the working indicator and the session actions](https://kilo.ai/docs/img/screenshot-tests/kilo-vscode/visual-regression/chat/chat-view-session-dock-todo-states-chromium-linux.png)

While Kilo works, the chip sits next to the working indicator. When the session is idle, it sits next to the session actions. Click the chip to see the full list.

**2. Interactive Tool Block**
Full todo interface in chat where you can:

- See all items and their status
- Edit descriptions when Kilo asks for approval
- Stage changes using the "Edit" button

**3. Environment Details**
Background "REMINDERS" table that keeps Kilo informed about current progress

## Task status decoded

**Pending** -> Empty checkbox (not started)

![Pending todo item with empty checkbox](https://funcoding.ai/official-assets/kilo-code/packages/kilo-docs/public/img/task-todo-list/not-started.webp)

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**In Progress** -> Yellow dot (currently working)

![In progress todo item with yellow dot indicator](https://funcoding.ai/official-assets/kilo-code/packages/kilo-docs/public/img/task-todo-list/in-progress.webp)

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**Completed** -> Green checkmark (finished)

![Completed todo item with green checkmark](https://funcoding.ai/official-assets/kilo-code/packages/kilo-docs/public/img/task-todo-list/complete.webp)

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## Editing todo lists

When Kilo proposes a todo list update, you can edit the list before approving. Use the "Edit" button in the tool block to update item text, add or remove steps, or adjust status. Once approved, Kilo continues with the updated list.

## Common questions

**"Can I create my own todo lists?"**
Yes, just ask Kilo to use the `todowrite` tool. Kilo stays in control of the content and workflow.

**"What about simple tasks?"**
Kilo typically skips todo lists for simple tasks. The overhead isn't worth it.

**"Why can't I directly edit the list?"**
Design choice. Kilo maintains authority over task management to ensure consistent progress tracking. You provide input, Kilo executes.

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## Settings

You can disable todo lists in Settings -> Advanced -> **Enable todo list tool**. When disabled, Kilo won't create or update todo lists, and the REMINDERS table won't appear in Environment Details.

<div class="callout callout-tip">

**Pro tip: Auto-approval**

**What it does**: Automatically approves todo list updates without confirmation prompts.

**When to use it**: Long workflows where constant interruptions slow you down.

**How to enable it**: Allow `todowrite` in the [auto-approval settings](https://funcoding.ai/agents/kilo-code/getting-started/settings/auto-approving-actions/).

**The catch**: Less control, but faster execution.

</div>