How to Use the Command 'pueue stash' (with examples)
The ‘pueue stash’ command is part of the Pueue task management system, a utility designed to manage and schedule shell commands with ease and flexibility. The command allows users to temporarily stash tasks, preventing them from being automatically executed. This functionality is particularly useful in scenarios where task execution needs to be selectively managed, providing users with precise control over their task queue.
Use case 1: Stash an enqueued task
Code:
pueue stash task_id
Motivation:
There are times when a task is added to the queue but circumstances change, making it unwise or unnecessary to execute the task immediately or in its sequence. Instead of deleting or rerouting tasks, you can simply stash them with the pueue stash command. This ensures the task is retained in the system but not executed until explicitly unstashed, thus maintaining a clear and manageable task list.
Explanation:
pueue: This is the main command for invoking Pueue, the task manager.stash: This argument specifies the action of stashing the task, meaning quietly suspending it in place without removing it from the task list.task_id: This is the unique identifier for the task you wish to stash. In Pueue, each task is assigned a distinct ID when it is created which is used to reference and manage tasks.
Example Output:
Task 5 has been stashed.
In this example, task 5 is the identified task that is to be stashed. The output provides a confirmation that the task with the specific ID has been successfully stashed and will no longer automatically start until further actions are taken.
Use case 2: Stash multiple tasks at once
Code:
pueue stash task_id task_id
Motivation:
Stashing tasks is not limited to a singular operation. There will be situations where multiple tasks need to be stashed at the same time, possibly due to a change in priorities or a need to pause an entire batch of queued jobs for assessment or troubleshooting. Executing this command enables users to mass stash tasks, optimizing efficiency by not requiring separate stashing commands for each individual task.
Explanation:
pueue: The main command to initiate the Pueue task manager.stash: The sub-command that indicates the intention to stash one or more tasks.task_id task_id: Multiple task IDs can be specified in sequence, separated by spaces. This tells Pueue to stash each of the specified tasks.
Example Output:
Tasks 7, 8, and 9 have been stashed.
The example demonstrates stashing of multiple tasks at once, providing a straightforward response that the specified tasks, in this case, tasks 7, 8, and 9, have been stashed simultaneously.
Use case 3: Start a stashed task immediately
Code:
pueue start task_id
Motivation:
Having the ability to stash tasks is useful, but there will be cases where a previously stashed task needs to be executed immediately. Using the pueue start command allows for immediate commencement of any task that was previously sidelined. This is particularly useful in dynamic environments where priorities shift rapidly, and previously sidelined tasks must now be prioritized.
Explanation:
pueue: This begins the command sequence with the Pueue task manager.start: The sub-command that triggers the start of a stashed or otherwise paused task.task_id: Represents the specific identification number of the task you wish to begin execution.
Example Output:
Task 5 has been started immediately.
With this output, Task 5, previously stashed, is now initiated as per the user’s instruction, showcasing the command’s efficacy in transitioning task statuses as needed.
Use case 4: Enqueue a task to be executed when preceding tasks finish
Code:
pueue enqueue task_id
Motivation:
In an optimized task management workflow, sequential task execution can be crucial. There are scenarios where ensuring a task executes only after previously queued tasks finish is necessary to maintain orderly operations. Here, pueue enqueue is used to put a task back into the queue in such a manner that it waits for preceding tasks to complete prior to execution.
Explanation:
pueue: The command that initializes the Pueue task manager sequence.enqueue: An action that places a task in the queue for orderly execution.task_id: Identifies the specific task you wish to enqueue for future execution, maintaining its place relative to others in a sequential queue.
Example Output:
Task 10 has been enqueued and will be executed sequentially.
This illustrates enqueuing, where Task 10 is positioned within the task queue system to execute following other outstanding tasks, ensuring a controlled and orderly task flow.
Conclusion:
The ‘pueue stash’ suite of commands provides powerful mechanisms for managing task execution by allowing users to stash, start, and enqueue tasks as necessary. These functionalities cater to a wide range of workflow scenarios, enhancing efficiency in environments where task prioritization and adaptation are pivotal.
