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What VS Code tasks can—and cannot—automate
A task invokes a command-line tool or script that your project already uses. You can assign a task to the build or test group, make it the default for that group, and define dependencies so one task runs other tasks.
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Tasks do not create a build system, test suite, or deployment process for you. Keep the project’s logic in its normal scripts or CLI configuration, and use VS Code to invoke those commands. A deployment task is only as safe and appropriate as the command it runs and the environment in which it runs.
Workspace tasks require an open workspace folder; they are not available when you have opened only a single file. See VS Code’s task guide.
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Create build, test, and deployment tasks
- Open the project folder or workspace in VS Code.
- Open the Command Palette and run
Terminal: Configure Tasks. Create or edit.vscode/tasks.json. VS Code can offer tasks contributed by extensions as well as custom tasks. - Point each task to a real project command. The example below uses npm script names only as illustrations; replace them with commands your project defines.
- Save the file, then run and inspect each task in the integrated terminal before combining tasks or using a deployment command.
{
"version": "2.0.0",
"tasks": [
{
"label": "Build",
"type": "process",
"command": "npm",
"args": ["run", "build"],
"group": { "kind": "build", "isDefault": true }
},
{
"label": "Test",
"type": "process",
"command": "npm",
"args": ["test"],
"group": { "kind": "test", "isDefault": true }
},
{
"label": "Deploy",
"type": "process",
"command": "npm",
"args": ["run", "deploy"]
},
{
"label": "Build, test, deploy",
"dependsOrder": "sequence",
"dependsOn": ["Build", "Test", "Deploy"]
}
]
}The process task type passes the command and arguments as separate values. A shell task is another option when the command needs shell features. The task guide documents both task concepts and configuration options at Integrate with External Tools via Tasks.
Run tasks individually or as a workflow
Run a build or test task
Use the Command Palette’s task commands to select a task. A task assigned to the build group can be run with the Run Build Task command; VS Code’s documented TypeScript example uses Shift+Command+B on macOS and Ctrl+Shift+B on Windows and Linux. Shortcuts can be remapped, so check Keyboard Shortcuts in your installation if those keys do not work. A default group assignment is useful when a project has a clear main build or test command.
Choose whether dependencies run in parallel or in order
When a task has multiple entries in dependsOn, VS Code runs them in parallel by default. That is suitable only when the operations do not rely on one another. If tests require a completed build, or deployment must wait for tests, set "dependsOrder": "sequence" as in the example. Task dependencies and ordering are described in the task guide.
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Background tasks need an appropriate problem matcher that lets VS Code detect when they have completed. Without completion detection, a later task in a sequential workflow may not know when it is safe to start.
Make commands reusable with variables
Variables can adapt a task to the current workspace or file, and input variables can prompt for a value when a task runs. Examples include ${workspaceFolder} and ${file}. Substitution is supported only in specific task properties, including command, args, and options; it is not a general-purpose replacement mechanism for every field. Consult the VS Code variables reference and task guide before relying on a variable in a particular property.
Understand the difference between test tasks and the Testing view
A task assigned to the test group runs its configured test command. That does not automatically discover individual tests or populate the Testing view with results. For test discovery, per-test actions, and integrated results, use a compatible testing extension and the Testing view. VS Code explains this distinction in its Testing documentation.
Use deployment and automatic tasks carefully
Deployment tasks
A task can invoke the deployment script or provider CLI already documented by your project. The task mechanism does not establish which target will receive a release, whether you are authorized to deploy, or how a provider handles credentials. Check the project’s and provider’s deployment and credential guidance, confirm the target, and avoid putting credentials in a shared task file.
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VS Code supports folder-open tasks using "runOn": "folderOpen". Automatic task execution is controlled by the task.allowAutomaticTasks setting, which is off by default, and automatic tasks do not run in an untrusted workspace. See the task guide for the current behavior and setting details.
Review shared task definitions
Because .vscode/tasks.json is a repository file, task definitions can be committed and shared with teammates. In Restricted Mode, VS Code prompts for workspace trust before tasks are run or enumerated. Review commands in an unfamiliar repository before trusting the workspace or running its tasks; the Workspace Trust documentation describes the trust model.
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