update_todo_list

The update_todo_list tool replaces the entire content of the original to-do list with an updated list based on the current task status. It supports step-by-step task tracking, allowing confirmation of task completion status before performing update operations, while also enabling dynamic addition of new to-do items discovered during complex task execution.

Parameter Description

This tool accepts the following parameters:

• todos (required): Markdown-formatted to-do list with task descriptions and status indicators

Function Description

This tool is used to manage comprehensive to-do lists, tracking task progress through multiple status indicators. Each update performs a full replacement of the original list, ensuring that the current state of the list accurately reflects all pending, in-progress, and completed tasks. The system will display this to-do list in subsequent interaction messages as a task reminder.

Application Scenarios

• When a task contains multiple steps that require systematic tracking
• When new executable items are discovered during task execution
• When multiple to-do task statuses need to be updated simultaneously
• When complex projects require clear, step-by-step progress tracking
• When梳理 multi-stage workflows with dependencies

Core Features

• Maintains a single-level Markdown to-do list, supporting three types of task status indicators
• Supports updating multiple task statuses in a single operation
• Enables dynamic addition of new to-do items discovered during task execution
• Achieves visual tracking of task progress through status indicators
• Integrates with the reminder system to ensure persistent visibility of task status
• Supports reordering tasks based on execution priority
• All incomplete tasks not explicitly removed are retained
• Supports efficient batch status update operations

Limitations

• Only supports single-level to-do lists, not nested structures or subtasks
• Tasks can only be removed when completed or no longer relevant
• Only supports full list replacement, not incremental updates
• Task status changes must be explicitly managed through tool calls
• No built-in task dependency tracking capability
• Does not support setting future execution times for tasks
• Only supports three types of task status indicators (pending, in progress, completed)

Status Indicator Specifications

This tool uses three distinct task status indicators, defined as follows:

• [ ] Pending: Task has not yet started
• [-] In Progress: Task is currently being executed
• [x] Completed: Task has been fully executed with no unresolved issues

Execution Flow

After calling the update_todo_list tool, the system will execute the following process:

1. Status Validation

   • Parse the Markdown-formatted to-do list
   • Validate the format of status indicators
   • Ensure task descriptions are clear and executable

2. List Replacement

   • Perform a full replacement of the original to-do list
   • Retain the task ordering specified in the update instruction
   • Fully preserve task descriptions and corresponding status indicators

3. Reminder System Integration

   • Synchronize the updated list to the reminder system
   • Display the current tasks in the header area of subsequent messages
   • Ensure persistent visualization of task progress

4. Progress Tracking

   • Continuously track task completion status across multiple update operations
   • Retain task history for future reference
   • Support workflow continuation across sessions

Best Practices

Task Management Guidelines

• Immediately mark tasks as completed after full execution
• Update the status to "In Progress" before starting the next task
• Immediately add newly discovered to-do items
• Use clear, descriptive names for tasks, specifying concrete execution actions
• Sort tasks by logical execution order or priority

Status Update Specifications

• Multiple task status indicators can be updated simultaneously during status transitions
• Confirm task completion status before marking as completed
• Focus only on currently ongoing work for in-progress tasks
• Timely add blocking tasks when task dependencies are discovered

Recommended and Disabled Scenarios

Recommended Scenarios

• When a task contains multiple execution steps or requires continuous tracking
• When new executable items are discovered during task execution
• When multiple to-do task statuses need to be updated simultaneously
• When complex tasks require clear visualization of progress

Disabled Scenarios

• When there is only a single, simple execution task
• When a task can be completed in 1-2 simple steps
• When the interaction request is a purely conversational consultation or information query

Typical Application Scenarios

• Implementing multi-component functional modules that require simultaneous frontend, backend, and database modifications
• Debugging issues where multiple related problems are discovered and need to be fixed one by one
• Setting up a development environment with multiple configuration steps
• Writing system documentation that requires research, writing, and review phases
• Refactoring code involving multiple file modifications and requiring test verification

Usage Examples

Initial task breakdown

<update_todo_list>
<todos>
[-] Analyze requirements and write technical specifications
[ ] Design database table structure and API interfaces
[ ] Implement backend authentication service
[ ] Develop frontend login component
[ ] Write comprehensive test cases
[ ] Update product documentation
</todos>
</update_todo_list>

Update task progress and add newly discovered tasks

<update_todo_list>
<todos>
[x] Analyze requirements and write technical specifications
[x] Design database table structure and API interfaces
[-] Implement backend authentication service
[ ] Develop frontend login component
[ ] Write comprehensive test cases
[ ] Update product documentation
[ ] Add password reset functionality
[ ] Implement login request frequency limiting
</todos>
</update_todo_list>

Complete multiple tasks and switch execution focus

<update_todo_list>
<todos>
[x] Analyze requirements and write technical specifications
[x] Design database table structure and API interfaces
[x] Implement backend authentication service
[x] Develop frontend login component
[-] Write comprehensive test cases
[ ] Update product documentation
[ ] Add password reset functionality
[ ] Implement login request frequency limiting
</todos>
</update_todo_list>