TaskArc RPA Documentation

A developer-first environment for pure Python automation.

TaskArc IDE is designed for professionals who require the flexibility of Python 3.11 with the speed of low-code visual tooling. By utilizing a dual-process architecture, TaskArc provides high-reliability automation even in unstable enterprise environments.

Installation

TaskArc is fully portable. No installation of Python or libraries is required on the host machine.

1. Unzip the TaskArc_Alpha.zip package.
2. Move the folder to a desired location (e.g., C:\TaskArc).
3. Run TaskArcIDE.exe.

Project Architecture

Every TaskArc project follows a strict hierarchy to ensure compatibility with the IDE's automated tools (Snipper, Table Wizard, DB Manager).

/MyAutomationProject
  ├── /Architecture
  │     ├── db_config.json      # Encrypted SQL Aliases / Credentials
  │     └── requirements.txt    # Custom Pip Dependencies
  ├── /Assets                   # Visual Anchors (PNGs)
  ├── bot.py                    # Library Core (Read-Only)
  ├── main.py                   # Your Entry Point
  └── changelog.json            # IDE-Generated Technical History

Visual Anchors vs. UI Elements

Knowing when to use each method is key to building maintainable bots.

Quick Start: "Hello Notepad"

Follow these steps to build your first automation.

1. Setup

Open TaskArc and go to File > New Project. Name it HelloBot.

2. Write Logic

The IDE pre-imports everything from bot. Copy this code into main.py:

from bot import *
import subprocess

# 1. Launch Notepad
subprocess.Popen("notepad.exe")
wait(2) # Wait for UI to load

# 2. Type Text
type("Hello from TaskArc!")
type(Key.ENTER)

# 3. Save File (Ctrl + S)
type("s", Key.CTRL)

3. Execute

Press F5 or click RUN BOT. The IDE will minimize, and Notepad will open and type automatically.

Dynamic Tutorial Hub

Select a specific feature to launch an interactive, multi-step guide.

The `bot` Standard Library

These functions are natively optimized for the TaskArc Supervisor process.

Interaction API

Finders & Synchronization

OCR Engine

Safeguarded wrapper around the OS-level OCR API.

read_text(x, y, w, h)

Captures the defined screen region and extracts text using Windows Media OCR.

Database Engine

TaskArc supports PostgreSQL, MySQL, and SQLite without hardcoding credentials in scripts.

Custom IDE Actions

Special command-triggers available during code editing.

• copy(): Type this into the editor to launch the Auto-Code Copy wizard for robust Ctrl+C logic.
• Table Wizard: Use Ctrl + T to map a grid and generate deduplication logic.
• Asset Edit: Ctrl + Click on any asset path to redefine the image or adjust its offset.

Managing Custom Libraries

TaskArc uses a persistent Python environment. Libraries installed here survive application restarts.

How to Install Packages

1. Open the TERMINAL tab at the bottom of the IDE.
2. Run the pip module command:

python -m pip install pandas requests

Note: Using python -m pip is required to avoid conflicts within the portable environment.

Watcher Protocols

The Watcher system allows for asynchronous obstacle management via a secondary process.

Implementation requires a watcher.py file containing a scan loop:

# watcher.py example
from bot import *

while True:
    if exists("assets/update_popup.png"):
        request_interrupt()  # Suspend Main Bot thread
        click("assets/close_btn.png")
        restore_focus()      # Return focus to original context
        request_resume()     # Unlock Main Bot thread
    wait(1)

LLM Readiness

To use an AI Assistant to write TaskArc bots, provide the following context prompt: