Task lists
Session checklists for multi-step work. No goals product.
Atom has no goals product. What it has is a session task checklist for multi-step work, backed by three tools and a live TUI panel.
The three tools
| Tool | Effect | Permission |
|---|---|---|
todowrite | Replace the session task checklist | auto |
todo_get | Read the session task checklist | auto |
todo_update | Update one checklist item by index | auto |
All three are read or write calls against working memory, never against your files, so they run without approval prompts.
The convention
For work spanning 3 or more steps, keep a checklist with exactly one item in_progress: plan first, implement, verify with tests and typecheck, then report with evidence. Mark items complete only after the verification step actually ran.
Scope and limits
- The list is live working memory for the current session. The documented session file shape carries history and turns, not the checklist, so plan on it resetting between sessions.
- It tracks intent, not files. File recovery is
/rewind, not the checklist. - There is no cross-session goals dashboard, no streaks, no carryover. If a task survives the session, write it down in the repo.