Integrated Task List with Markdown Import/Export

[DangerMouseUK]

AI‑assisted IDEs benefit from having an explicit task list to manage complex coding projects. A popular AI IDE recently introduced a native task manager: users can create tasks, update them, and manage them separately inside the chat interface. The task queue appears above the input field, and users typically work from a Markdown task file, progressing through tasks one by one. Inspired by this workflow, Roo Code should include a built‑in task list UI with markdown integration so users can break down work and keep the agent on track.

Proposed Enhancements

1. In‑Editor Task List UI

Provide a checklist panel inside Roo Code’s chat/agent interface. Tasks should be visible above or beside the prompt. Roo Code already has a Boomerang Tasks panel for subtasks; this feature would extend it by letting users add, rename, and mark off tasks in that panel.

2. Markdown Import/Export

Allow loading and saving the task list as a Markdown file. Users could write a master task list using Markdown checkbox syntax, then import it into the Roo session. The extension would parse that file into tasks and update it as tasks are completed. As tasks are checked off, Roo Code should automatically update the underlying Markdown.

3. Persistent Tasks / Cross‑Chat Continuation

Implement a way to carry the task list over into new chat sessions. For very long features or bug fixes, a single chat can become unwieldy. Roo Code should let the user press Continue in New Chat (or similar) so the existing task list persists, preventing loss of context when splitting work into multiple sessions.

4. Task Lifecycle & Sync

Support marking tasks done, re‑ordering, or editing them on the fly. Completing a task should automatically mark it in both the UI and the Markdown file. Re‑ordering tasks or adding subtasks would further improve flexibility.

Rationale

A structured task list guides both the AI assistant and the developer through a project. Developers can outline all required steps, have the assistant tackle them one by one, and avoid losing progress between sessions. Allowing import/export and cross‑chat continuation ensures work isn’t tied to a single chat context, making complex development workflows smoother and more reliable. Bringing these capabilities to Roo Code will give users the same project‑planning tools available in other modern AI IDEs while preserving Roo Code’s open‑source advantage.