feat: improve tm init

Closes #241 #211 #184 #193

.changeset/brave-seas-pull.md

@@ -0,0 +1,6 @@
+---
+'task-master-ai': patch
+---
+
+- Fixes shebang issue not allowing task-master to run on certain windows operating systems
+- Resolves #241 #211 #184 #193

.changeset/chubby-moose-stay.md

@@ -0,0 +1,5 @@
+---
+'task-master-ai': patch
+---
+
+Updates the parameter descriptions for update, update-task and update-subtask to ensure the MCP server correctly reaches for the right update command based on what is being updated -- all tasks, one task, or a subtask.

.changeset/moody-pugs-grab.md

@@ -0,0 +1,6 @@
+---
+'task-master-ai': patch
+---
+
+- Fix `task-master init` polluting codebase with new packages inside `package.json` and modifying project `README`
+  - Now only initializes with cursor rules, windsurf rules, mcp.json, scripts/example_prd.txt, .gitignore modifications, and `README-task-master.md`

README.md

@@ -20,7 +20,13 @@ A task management system for AI-driven development with Claude, designed to work
 
 MCP (Model Control Protocol) provides the easiest way to get started with Task Master directly in your editor.
 
-1. **Add the MCP config to your editor** (Cursor recommended, but it works with other text editors):
+1. **Install the package**
+
+```bash
+npm i -g task-master-ai
+```
+
+2. **Add the MCP config to your editor** (Cursor recommended, but it works with other text editors):
 
 ```json
 {

bin/task-master.js

@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-#!/usr/bin/env node --trace-deprecation
+#!/usr/bin/env node
 
 /**
  * Task Master

docs/tutorial.md

@@ -10,7 +10,13 @@ There are two ways to set up Task Master: using MCP (recommended) or via npm ins
 
 MCP (Model Control Protocol) provides the easiest way to get started with Task Master directly in your editor.
 
-1. **Add the MCP config to your editor** (Cursor recommended, but it works with other text editors):
+1. **Install the package**
+
+```bash
+npm i -g task-master-ai
+```
+
+2. **Add the MCP config to your editor** (Cursor recommended, but it works with other text editors):
 
 ```json
 {

mcp-server/src/tools/update-subtask.js

@@ -20,12 +20,12 @@ export function registerUpdateSubtaskTool(server) {
 	server.addTool({
 		name: 'update_subtask',
 		description:
-			'Appends additional information to a specific subtask without replacing existing content',
+			'Appends timestamped information to a specific subtask without replacing existing content',
 		parameters: z.object({
 			id: z
 				.string()
 				.describe(
-					'ID of the subtask to update in format "parentId.subtaskId" (e.g., "5.2")'
+					'ID of the subtask to update in format "parentId.subtaskId" (e.g., "5.2"). Parent ID is the ID of the task that contains the subtask.'
 				),
 			prompt: z.string().describe('Information to add to the subtask'),
 			research: z

mcp-server/src/tools/update-task.js

@@ -24,7 +24,9 @@ export function registerUpdateTaskTool(server) {
 		parameters: z.object({
 			id: z
 				.string()
-				.describe("ID of the task or subtask (e.g., '15', '15.2') to update"),
+				.describe(
+					"ID of the task (e.g., '15') to update. Subtasks are supported using the update-subtask tool."
+				),
 			prompt: z
 				.string()
 				.describe('New information or context to incorporate into the task'),

mcp-server/src/tools/update.js

@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@ export function registerUpdateTool(server) {
 	server.addTool({
 		name: 'update',
 		description:
-			"Update multiple upcoming tasks (with ID >= 'from' ID) based on new context or changes provided in the prompt. Use 'update_task' instead for a single specific task.",
+			"Update multiple upcoming tasks (with ID >= 'from' ID) based on new context or changes provided in the prompt. Use 'update_task' instead for a single specific task or 'update_subtask' for subtasks.",
 		parameters: z.object({
 			from: z
 				.string()

package-lock.json

@@ -1,12 +1,12 @@
 {
 	"name": "task-master-ai",
-	"version": "0.10.1",
+	"version": "0.11.1",
 	"lockfileVersion": 3,
 	"requires": true,
 	"packages": {
 		"": {
 			"name": "task-master-ai",
-			"version": "0.10.1",
+			"version": "0.11.1",
 			"license": "MIT WITH Commons-Clause",
 			"dependencies": {
 				"@anthropic-ai/sdk": "^0.39.0",

package.json

@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 {
 	"name": "task-master-ai",
-	"version": "0.11.0",
+	"version": "0.11.1",
 	"description": "A task management system for ambitious AI-driven development that doesn't overwhelm and confuse Cursor.",
 	"main": "index.js",
 	"type": "module",

scripts/init.js

@@ -15,7 +15,6 @@
 
 import fs from 'fs';
 import path from 'path';
-import { execSync } from 'child_process';
 import readline from 'readline';
 import { fileURLToPath } from 'url';
 import { dirname } from 'path';
@@ -179,9 +178,6 @@ function copyTemplateFile(templateName, targetPath, replacements = {}) {
 
 	// Map template names to their actual source paths
 	switch (templateName) {
-		case 'dev.js':
-			sourcePath = path.join(__dirname, 'dev.js');
-			break;
 		case 'scripts_README.md':
 			sourcePath = path.join(__dirname, '..', 'assets', 'scripts_README.md');
 			break;
@@ -297,61 +293,8 @@ function copyTemplateFile(templateName, targetPath, replacements = {}) {
 			return;
 		}
 
-		// Handle package.json - merge dependencies
-		if (filename === 'package.json') {
-			log('info', `${targetPath} already exists, merging dependencies...`);
-			try {
-				const existingPackageJson = JSON.parse(
-					fs.readFileSync(targetPath, 'utf8')
-				);
-				const newPackageJson = JSON.parse(content);
-
-				// Merge dependencies, preferring existing versions in case of conflicts
-				existingPackageJson.dependencies = {
-					...newPackageJson.dependencies,
-					...existingPackageJson.dependencies
-				};
-
-				// Add our scripts if they don't already exist
-				existingPackageJson.scripts = {
-					...existingPackageJson.scripts,
-					...Object.fromEntries(
-						Object.entries(newPackageJson.scripts).filter(
-							([key]) => !existingPackageJson.scripts[key]
-						)
-					)
-				};
-
-				// Preserve existing type if present
-				if (!existingPackageJson.type && newPackageJson.type) {
-					existingPackageJson.type = newPackageJson.type;
-				}
-
-				fs.writeFileSync(
-					targetPath,
-					JSON.stringify(existingPackageJson, null, 2)
-				);
-				log(
-					'success',
-					`Updated ${targetPath} with required dependencies and scripts`
-				);
-			} catch (error) {
-				log('error', `Failed to merge package.json: ${error.message}`);
-				// Fallback to writing a backup of the existing file and creating a new one
-				const backupPath = `${targetPath}.backup-${Date.now()}`;
-				fs.copyFileSync(targetPath, backupPath);
-				log('info', `Created backup of existing package.json at ${backupPath}`);
-				fs.writeFileSync(targetPath, content);
-				log(
-					'warn',
-					`Replaced ${targetPath} with new content (due to JSON parsing error)`
-				);
-			}
-			return;
-		}
-
 		// Handle README.md - offer to preserve or create a different file
-		if (filename === 'README.md') {
+		if (filename === 'README-task-master.md') {
 			log('info', `${targetPath} already exists`);
 			// Create a separate README file specifically for this project
 			const taskMasterReadmePath = path.join(
@@ -361,7 +304,7 @@ function copyTemplateFile(templateName, targetPath, replacements = {}) {
 			fs.writeFileSync(taskMasterReadmePath, content);
 			log(
 				'success',
-				`Created ${taskMasterReadmePath} (preserved original README.md)`
+				`Created ${taskMasterReadmePath} (preserved original README-task-master.md)`
 			);
 			return;
 		}
@@ -396,6 +339,30 @@ async function initializeProject(options = {}) {
 		console.log('==================================================');
 	}
 
+	// Try to get project name from package.json if not provided
+	if (!options.name) {
+		const packageJsonPath = path.join(process.cwd(), 'package.json');
+		try {
+			if (fs.existsSync(packageJsonPath)) {
+				const packageJson = JSON.parse(
+					fs.readFileSync(packageJsonPath, 'utf8')
+				);
+				if (packageJson.name) {
+					log(
+						'info',
+						`Found project name '${packageJson.name}' in package.json`
+					);
+					options.name = packageJson.name;
+				}
+			}
+		} catch (error) {
+			log(
+				'debug',
+				`Could not read project name from package.json: ${error.message}`
+			);
+		}
+	}
+
 	// Determine if we should skip prompts based on the passed options
 	const skipPrompts = options.yes || (options.name && options.description);
 	if (!isSilentMode()) {
@@ -414,7 +381,6 @@ async function initializeProject(options = {}) {
 		const projectVersion = options.version || '0.1.0'; // Default from commands.js or here
 		const authorName = options.author || 'Vibe coder'; // Default if not provided
 		const dryRun = options.dryRun || false;
-		const skipInstall = options.skipInstall || false;
 		const addAliases = options.aliases || false;
 
 		if (dryRun) {
@@ -429,9 +395,6 @@ async function initializeProject(options = {}) {
 			if (addAliases) {
 				log('info', 'Would add shell aliases for task-master');
 			}
-			if (!skipInstall) {
-				log('info', 'Would install dependencies');
-			}
 			return {
 				projectName,
 				projectDescription,
@@ -447,7 +410,6 @@ async function initializeProject(options = {}) {
 			projectDescription,
 			projectVersion,
 			authorName,
-			skipInstall,
 			addAliases
 		);
 	} else {
@@ -514,9 +476,8 @@ async function initializeProject(options = {}) {
 				return; // Added return for clarity
 			}
 
-			// Still respect dryRun/skipInstall if passed initially even when prompting
+			// Still respect dryRun if passed initially even when prompting
 			const dryRun = options.dryRun || false;
-			const skipInstall = options.skipInstall || false;
 
 			if (dryRun) {
 				log('info', 'DRY RUN MODE: No files will be modified');
@@ -530,9 +491,6 @@ async function initializeProject(options = {}) {
 				if (addAliasesPrompted) {
 					log('info', 'Would add shell aliases for task-master');
 				}
-				if (!skipInstall) {
-					log('info', 'Would install dependencies');
-				}
 				return {
 					projectName,
 					projectDescription,
@@ -548,7 +506,6 @@ async function initializeProject(options = {}) {
 				projectDescription,
 				projectVersion,
 				authorName,
-				skipInstall, // Use value from initial options
 				addAliasesPrompted // Use value from prompt
 			);
 		} catch (error) {
@@ -574,7 +531,6 @@ function createProjectStructure(
 	projectDescription,
 	projectVersion,
 	authorName,
-	skipInstall,
 	addAliases
 ) {
 	const targetDir = process.cwd();
@@ -585,105 +541,8 @@ function createProjectStructure(
 	ensureDirectoryExists(path.join(targetDir, 'scripts'));
 	ensureDirectoryExists(path.join(targetDir, 'tasks'));
 
-	// Define our package.json content
-	const packageJson = {
-		name: projectName.toLowerCase().replace(/\s+/g, '-'),
-		version: projectVersion,
-		description: projectDescription,
-		author: authorName,
-		type: 'module',
-		scripts: {
-			dev: 'node scripts/dev.js',
-			list: 'node scripts/dev.js list',
-			generate: 'node scripts/dev.js generate',
-			'parse-prd': 'node scripts/dev.js parse-prd'
-		},
-		dependencies: {
-			'@anthropic-ai/sdk': '^0.39.0',
-			boxen: '^8.0.1',
-			chalk: '^4.1.2',
-			commander: '^11.1.0',
-			'cli-table3': '^0.6.5',
-			cors: '^2.8.5',
-			dotenv: '^16.3.1',
-			express: '^4.21.2',
-			fastmcp: '^1.20.5',
-			figlet: '^1.8.0',
-			'fuse.js': '^7.0.0',
-			'gradient-string': '^3.0.0',
-			helmet: '^8.1.0',
-			inquirer: '^12.5.0',
-			jsonwebtoken: '^9.0.2',
-			'lru-cache': '^10.2.0',
-			openai: '^4.89.0',
-			ora: '^8.2.0'
-		}
-	};
-
-	// Check if package.json exists and merge if it does
-	const packageJsonPath = path.join(targetDir, 'package.json');
-	if (fs.existsSync(packageJsonPath)) {
-		log('info', 'package.json already exists, merging content...');
-		try {
-			const existingPackageJson = JSON.parse(
-				fs.readFileSync(packageJsonPath, 'utf8')
-			);
-
-			// Preserve existing fields but add our required ones
-			const mergedPackageJson = {
-				...existingPackageJson,
-				scripts: {
-					...existingPackageJson.scripts,
-					...Object.fromEntries(
-						Object.entries(packageJson.scripts).filter(
-							([key]) =>
-								!existingPackageJson.scripts ||
-								!existingPackageJson.scripts[key]
-						)
-					)
-				},
-				dependencies: {
-					...(existingPackageJson.dependencies || {}),
-					...Object.fromEntries(
-						Object.entries(packageJson.dependencies).filter(
-							([key]) =>
-								!existingPackageJson.dependencies ||
-								!existingPackageJson.dependencies[key]
-						)
-					)
-				}
-			};
-
-			// Ensure type is set if not already present
-			if (!mergedPackageJson.type && packageJson.type) {
-				mergedPackageJson.type = packageJson.type;
-			}
-
-			fs.writeFileSync(
-				packageJsonPath,
-				JSON.stringify(mergedPackageJson, null, 2)
-			);
-			log('success', 'Updated package.json with required fields');
-		} catch (error) {
-			log('error', `Failed to merge package.json: ${error.message}`);
-			// Create a backup before potentially modifying
-			const backupPath = `${packageJsonPath}.backup-${Date.now()}`;
-			fs.copyFileSync(packageJsonPath, backupPath);
-			log('info', `Created backup of existing package.json at ${backupPath}`);
-			fs.writeFileSync(packageJsonPath, JSON.stringify(packageJson, null, 2));
-			log(
-				'warn',
-				'Created new package.json (backup of original file was created)'
-			);
-		}
-	} else {
-		// If package.json doesn't exist, create it
-		fs.writeFileSync(packageJsonPath, JSON.stringify(packageJson, null, 2));
-		log('success', 'Created package.json');
-	}
-
 	// Setup MCP configuration for integration with Cursor
-	setupMCPConfiguration(targetDir, packageJson.name);
+	setupMCPConfiguration(targetDir, projectName);
 
 	// Copy template files with replacements
 	const replacements = {
@@ -731,15 +590,6 @@ function createProjectStructure(
 	// Copy .windsurfrules
 	copyTemplateFile('windsurfrules', path.join(targetDir, '.windsurfrules'));
 
-	// Copy scripts/dev.js
-	copyTemplateFile('dev.js', path.join(targetDir, 'scripts', 'dev.js'));
-
-	// Copy scripts/README.md
-	copyTemplateFile(
-		'scripts_README.md',
-		path.join(targetDir, 'scripts', 'README.md')
-	);
-
 	// Copy example_prd.txt
 	copyTemplateFile(
 		'example_prd.txt',
@@ -749,43 +599,13 @@ function createProjectStructure(
 	// Create main README.md
 	copyTemplateFile(
 		'README-task-master.md',
-		path.join(targetDir, 'README.md'),
+		path.join(targetDir, 'README-task-master.md'),
 		replacements
 	);
 
-	// Initialize git repository if git is available
-	try {
-		if (!fs.existsSync(path.join(targetDir, '.git'))) {
-			log('info', 'Initializing git repository...');
-			execSync('git init', { stdio: 'ignore' });
-			log('success', 'Git repository initialized');
-		}
-	} catch (error) {
-		log('warn', 'Git not available, skipping repository initialization');
-	}
-
-	// Run npm install automatically
-	if (!isSilentMode()) {
-		console.log(
-			boxen(chalk.cyan('Installing dependencies...'), {
-				padding: 0.5,
-				margin: 0.5,
-				borderStyle: 'round',
-				borderColor: 'blue'
-			})
-		);
-	}
-
-	try {
-		if (!skipInstall) {
-			execSync('npm install', { stdio: 'inherit', cwd: targetDir });
-			log('success', 'Dependencies installed successfully!');
-		} else {
-			log('info', 'Dependencies installation skipped');
-		}
-	} catch (error) {
-		log('error', 'Failed to install dependencies:', error.message);
-		log('error', 'Please run npm install manually');
+	// Add shell aliases if requested
+	if (addAliases) {
+		addShellAliases();
 	}
 
 	// Display success message
@@ -807,11 +627,6 @@ function createProjectStructure(
 		);
 	}
 
-	// Add shell aliases if requested
-	if (addAliases) {
-		addShellAliases();
-	}
-
 	// Display next steps in a nice box
 	if (!isSilentMode()) {
 		console.log(