Auto Tasks are scripts. They usually contain simple commands taking multiple turns to execute, such as a ship's MoveTo command or a starbase's EnqueueShip command. The Auto Task Screen displays the current status and lets you edit the script.

The red triangle displays the current command; it is hollow when the command already started executing and solid when it hasn't.

While you edit the task, it is stopped. It will run when you leave the auto task screen or switch to another object.

When an auto task finishes (runs off its end), it is automatically removed.

Auto tasks can produce messages (using the Notify command or by running into a problem). Such messages are shown in the Notification dialog when you start PCC2. The message currently holding up this task is also shown on the auto task screen. When you fix the problem, you can confirm the message directly from here using M.

The following keys are supported in addition to Control Screen keys.

  • Ins: Insert a command before the current line
  • Space: Edit current command
  • Del: Delete current command
  • CtrlDel: Delete all commands
  • %, K: Disable/enable a command temporarily (comment it out)
  • CtrlN: Set next command to execute
  • 1..4: Depending on actual screen, insert commands
  • M: Confirm Notification Message produced by this task (cause task to continue)
  • CtrlS: Save task as text file
  • CtrlR: Load task from text file (insert commands at cursor)
  • Enter: Go to control screen

Reference

Keys:
Enter from ship, planet, or starbase screen
Related command:
UI.GotoScreen
Keymap:
AutoTaskScreen
Script context:
respective unit