---
title: Background Processes
description: Run long commands in a terminal that stays attached to the Job that started it.
updated: 2026-09-12
canonical: https://turnpanel.com/docs/background-processes
markdown: https://turnpanel.com/docs/background-processes.md
llms: https://turnpanel.com/llms.txt
---

# Background Processes

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

## 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.


### Long work remains a child of its owning Job

**Context:** Background process

The process row appears below its owning Job and opens its own terminal.

- **Keep the docs preview running** [ready]: Owning Job
- **npm run dev** [active]: Selected managed child terminal
- **Running** [active]: Separate process indicator
- **Stop** [waiting]: Running-process control

## 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.