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The todo tool provides task list management. Agents can create, update, and track tasks with status tracking across a workflow. It is useful for complex multi-step tasks where the agent needs to stay organized and ensure all steps are completed.

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Available tools

ToolDescription
create_todoCreate a single new task.
create_todosCreate multiple tasks at once.
update_todosUpdate the status of one or more tasks.
list_todosList all current tasks with their status.

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Task statuses

StatusMeaning
pendingTask has not been started.
in-progressTask is currently being worked on.
completedTask is finished.

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Configuration

toolsets:
  - type: todo

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Options

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shared
boolean
default:"false"
When true, todos are shared across all agents in a multi-agent configuration. All agents can view and update the same task list.

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Shared todos in multi-agent setups

Enable shared todos so all agents in a team can coordinate around a common task list: 
agents:
  coordinator:
    model: openai/gpt-4o
    description: Project coordinator
    instruction: Break work into tasks and delegate to specialists.
    sub_agents: [developer, reviewer]
    toolsets:
      - type: todo
        shared: true
      - type: think

  developer:
    model: anthropic/claude-sonnet-4-0
    description: Software developer
    toolsets:
      - type: todo
        shared: true
      - type: filesystem
      - type: shell

  reviewer:
    model: openai/gpt-4o
    description: Code reviewer
    toolsets:
      - type: todo
        shared: true
      - type: filesystem

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Example agent

agent.yaml
agents:
  root:
    model: openai/gpt-4o
    description: Project assistant
    instruction: |
      When given a complex task:
      1. Use create_todos to list all the steps.
      2. Mark each step in-progress before you start it.
      3. Mark it completed when done.
      This keeps the user informed of your progress.
    toolsets:
      - type: todo
      - type: think
      - type: filesystem
      - type: shell
Combine todo with think for complex workflows: use think to plan, then create_todos to record the steps before executing them.

Think

Reason and plan before creating tasks.

Background agents

Run tasks in parallel with sub-agents.

Transfer task

Delegate tasks to specialized sub-agents.

Multi-agent

Multi-agent coordination patterns.

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