# Deadlines
URL: https://pro.rv-grid.com/guides/gantt/scheduling/deadlines/
Source: src/content/docs/guides/gantt/scheduling/deadlines.mdx
Description: Use deadlineDate to track target dates without constraining the scheduling engine.
Use `deadlineDate` for target dates that should warn but not lock the schedule:

```typescript
{
  id: 'frontend',
  name: 'Frontend Development',
  deadlineDate: '2026-05-15',
  // other task fields
}
```

## Behavior

If a task finishes after its `deadlineDate`, the scheduler reports a `deadline-missed` conflict. This warning appears in:
- The **Scheduling Warning** column.
- The task **tooltip**.
- The row/bar **warning state**.
- A visual **timeline indicator** (usually a down-arrow on the deadline date).

## Deadline vs. Finish Constraint

Unlike a `must-finish-on` or `finish-no-later-than` constraint, a deadline **never moves the task**.
- It is purely an analytical tool to measure performance against a target.
- It does not affect the critical path or slack calculations of other tasks.

This matches Microsoft Project's distinction between a deadline and an inflexible finish constraint: a deadline is an alert, not a scheduling rule.
