name: trigger-setup
description: Set up Trigger.dev in your project. Use when adding Trigger.dev for the first time, creating trigger.config.ts, or initializing the trigger directory.

Trigger.dev Setup

Get Trigger.dev running in your project in minutes.

When to Use

• Adding Trigger.dev to an existing project
• Creating your first task
• Setting up trigger.config.ts
• Connecting to Trigger.dev cloud

Prerequisites

• Node.js 18+ or Bun
• A Trigger.dev account (https://cloud.trigger.dev)

Quick Start

1. Install the SDK

npm install @trigger.dev/sdk

2. Initialize Your Project

npx trigger init

This creates:
- trigger.config.ts - project configuration
- trigger/ directory - where your tasks live
- trigger/example.ts - a sample task

3. Configure trigger.config.ts

import { defineConfig } from "@trigger.dev/sdk";

export default defineConfig({
  project: "proj_xxxxx", // From dashboard
  dirs: ["./trigger"],
});

4. Create Your First Task

// trigger/my-task.ts
import { task } from "@trigger.dev/sdk";

export const myFirstTask = task({
  id: "my-first-task",
  run: async (payload: { name: string }) => {
    console.log(`Hello, ${payload.name}!`);
    return { message: `Processed ${payload.name}` };
  },
});

5. Start Development Server

npx trigger dev

6. Trigger Your Task

From your app code:

import { tasks } from "@trigger.dev/sdk";
import type { myFirstTask } from "./trigger/my-task";

await tasks.trigger<typeof myFirstTask>("my-first-task", {
  name: "World",
});

Or from the Trigger.dev dashboard "Test" tab.

Project Structure

your-project/
├── trigger.config.ts    # Required - project config
├── trigger/             # Required - task files
│   ├── my-task.ts
│   └── another-task.ts
├── package.json
└── ...

Environment Variables

Create .env or set in your environment:

TRIGGER_SECRET_KEY=tr_dev_xxxxx  # From dashboard > API Keys

Common Issues

"No tasks found"

• Ensure tasks are exported from files in dirs folders
• Check trigger.config.ts points to correct directories

"Project not found"

• Verify project in config matches dashboard
• Check TRIGGER_SECRET_KEY is set

"Task not registered"

• Restart npx trigger dev after adding new tasks
• Tasks must use task() or schemaTask() from @trigger.dev/sdk

Next Steps

• Add retry logic → see trigger-tasks skill
• Configure build extensions → see trigger-config skill
• Build AI workflows → see trigger-agents skill
• Add real-time UI → see trigger-realtime skill