Todo Write Tool (todo_write)

This document describes the todo_write tool for Qwen Code.

Description

Use todo_write to create and manage a structured task list for your current coding session. This tool helps the AI assistant track progress and organize complex tasks, providing you with visibility into what work is being performed.

Arguments

todo_write takes one argument:

• todos (array, required): An array of todo items, where each item contains:
  • id (string, required): A unique identifier for the todo item.
  • content (string, required): The description of the task.
  • status (string, required): The current status (pending, in_progress, or completed).

How to use todo_write with Qwen Code

The AI assistant will automatically use this tool when working on complex, multi-step tasks. You don’t need to explicitly request it, but you can ask the assistant to create a todo list if you want to see the planned approach for your request.

The tool stores todo lists in your home directory (~/.qwen/todos/) with session-specific files, so each coding session maintains its own task list.

When the AI uses this tool

The assistant uses todo_write for:

• Complex tasks requiring multiple steps
• Feature implementations with several components
• Refactoring operations across multiple files
• Any work involving 3 or more distinct actions

The assistant will not use this tool for simple, single-step tasks or purely informational requests.

todo_write examples

Creating a feature implementation plan:

todo_write(todos=[
  {
    "id": "create-model",
    "content": "Create user preferences model",
    "status": "pending"
  },
  {
    "id": "add-endpoints",
    "content": "Add API endpoints for preferences",
    "status": "pending"
  },
  {
    "id": "implement-ui",
    "content": "Implement frontend components",
    "status": "pending"
  }
])

Important notes

• Automatic usage: The AI assistant manages todo lists automatically during complex tasks.
• Progress visibility: You’ll see todo lists updated in real-time as work progresses.
• Session isolation: Each coding session has its own todo list that doesn’t interfere with others.