# Running commands

Open a terminal in the active project, inspect the command and working directory, approve when required, and read stdout, stderr, and exit code.

![Running commands in Foxora Desktop v5.0.3](/docs/images/v5.0.3/desktop/stage-terminal.webp)

## Where this lives

Open a project-backed task, then choose **Stage → Terminal**.

Terminals run commands in the active project working directory and stream stdout, stderr, process state, and exit status into an inspectable surface.

> **Safety:** Review commands that install software, change Git state, access secrets, use elevated privileges, or affect files outside the project.

## Steps

1. Open a project-backed task, then choose **Stage → Terminal**.
2. Open a terminal in the active project.
3. Inspect the command and working directory.
4. Approve when required.
5. Read stdout, stderr, and exit code.
6. **Confirm the result.** Check the exit code and resulting system or file state; successful-looking output alone is not enough.

## Choose the right path

- Run a foreground command for short tasks.
- Use a background process for servers and watchers.
- Open separate terminals for independent long-running processes.


## Confirm it worked

- Check the exit code and resulting system or file state; successful-looking output alone is not enough.
- The screen, command, file, run, or destination named in this guide reflects the expected state.