Skip to main content

Working with Task Lists

The Task List is where you tell your AI agent what you want it to do, in plain language. Think of it as writing a to-do list for your agent, where each task leverages the skills you've assigned to it.

Understanding Task Lists​

A task list is:

  • A series of instructions for your agent
  • Written in natural language
  • Powered by the agent's configured skills
  • The foundation for generating a working workflow

The Task List Interface​

When you open the Task List tab, you'll see:

  1. Central Add Button: A prominent "Add a Task" button in the middle of the screen
  2. Task List Area: Where your tasks appear after adding them
  3. View Options: Toggle between Task List, JSON, and Nodes views
  4. Save Button: To preserve your task list

Adding Tasks​

  1. Click the "Add a Task" button
  2. Type your task in plain language
  3. Click Save to add it to the list

Example Tasks​

"Read all emails from Gmail label 'Reports'"
"Send a daily summary to Slack channel #team-updates"
"Monitor weather in London and alert if rain is predicted"
"Translate incoming messages to Spanish"
"Save customer feedback to our database"

Writing Effective Tasks​

Good tasks are:

  • Clear and specific
  • Action-oriented
  • Related to available skills
  • Focused on one operation

For example: ✅ "Send daily sales report from Excel to Slack #sales channel" ❌ "Handle sales data" (too vague)

Building Your Task List​

Step 1: Plan Your Tasks​

Before adding tasks, consider:

  • What skills your agent has available
  • The logical order of operations
  • Required inputs and outputs
  • Desired outcomes

Step 2: Add Tasks​

  1. Click "Add a Task"
  2. Write your task clearly
  3. Repeat for each required task
  4. Arrange tasks in logical order

Step 3: Review and Refine​

  • Ensure all tasks are clear and specific
  • Check that tasks match available skills
  • Verify the task sequence makes sense
  • Remove any redundant tasks

Best Practices​

  1. Be Specific

    • Include relevant details
    • Specify channels, labels, or locations
    • Define expected outputs

  2. Keep it Simple

    • One action per task
    • Clear, direct language
    • Avoid complex conditions

  3. Consider Dependencies

    • List tasks in logical order
    • Include necessary input sources
    • Specify output destinations

Example Task Lists​

Email Processing Workflow​

1. "Check Gmail label 'Customer Support' every 30 minutes"
2. "Categorize emails by urgency based on content"
3. "Forward urgent emails to support@company.com"
4. "Post summary to Slack #support channel"

Weather Alert System​

1. "Monitor weather forecast for Sydney"
2. "If rain probability > 70%, send alert"
3. "Post daily weather summary to #weather channel"

Tips for Success​

  1. Start Small

    • Begin with a few essential tasks
    • Test the workflow
    • Add more tasks gradually

  2. Use Available Skills

    • Check your agent's skills first
    • Write tasks that match skill capabilities
    • Request new skills if needed

  3. Be Clear

    • Use specific details
    • Include necessary parameters
    • Define expected outcomes

After creating your task list:

  1. Save your changes
  2. Preview the generated workflow
  3. Test the workflow
  4. Make adjustments as needed

Remember: The task list is designed to be simple and intuitive. You don't need to worry about technical details - just write clear instructions, and the system will handle the rest.

Next Steps​