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Background Processes

Run long commands in a terminal that stays attached to the Job that started it.

Updated 2026-09-12View as Markdown

When to use one

Use a background process for a long command, server, installer, interactive prompt, or command-line app. It appears below the Job that started it, and you can watch the same live terminal as the agent.

Keep the docs preview running
npm run dev
Runningnpm run devStop
$ npm run dev
The process row appears below its owning Job and opens its own terminal.

Lifetime

  • A normal background process can run for up to one hour. A detached process has no TurnPanel time limit, but it still stops when TurnPanel quits.
  • If a quick command unexpectedly starts waiting for input, TurnPanel can move it into the background. Because it did not start in a full terminal, some interactive controls may not work.

Prompts and completion

The Job is notified when the process finishes or appears to be waiting for input. Check its current screen before typing or starting a replacement. The agent never guesses credentials or accepts unclear terms for you.

Stopping

Stopping a process can lose unfinished work, so it requires care. Use a Script for work you want to run again and an Automation for work that should start later. A background process starts now and lasts only while TurnPanel is open.