# Keep a dev server running (/how-to/keep-a-dev-server-running)



## 1. Start it [#1-start-it]

Ask the agent:

```text
start the dev server
```

A dev server doesn't end, so the agent starts it in the background and the turn goes on. A line above the prompt shows
it while it runs:

```text
 bg [│] pnpm dev 12s · alt+4
```

If the agent started it in the foreground and the turn is waiting on it, press `ctrl+b` once the working line offers it.
See [Run work in the background](/background-tasks).

## 2. Keep working against it [#2-keep-working-against-it]

The agent can use the running server, for example to check a change:

```text
add a /health route and check it with curl against the dev server
```

## 3. Look at its output [#3-look-at-its-output]

Press `alt+4`, or type `/tasks`. The panel shows the latest output of the task you're on; press `enter` to see all of
it, following its end. `esc` goes back.

When the server fails, the conversation says so, such as `[!] Background pnpm dev · failed after 41s · exit 1`, and
the agent looks at what went wrong.

## 4. Stop it [#4-stop-it]

Press `alt+4`, move to the task and press `x`.

<Callout>
  The server stops on its own when you quit, start a new conversation with `/clear`, or switch to another with
  `/resume`. `esc` stops the agent's turn but leaves the server running.
</Callout>