Safely clean regenerable clutter from a project folder by scanning for build artifacts and caches, backing up every removed path into a timestamped archive with a BACKUP.md manifest, zipping the backup to save space, and only deleting originals after explicit confirmation. Use when the user asks to clean a project…
Use between coding-agent runs (Codex, Claude Code, Cursor, Aider, etc.) to stop the project from drifting, overbuilding, or accumulating dead weight. Forces a read-only audit that classifies every active item as KEEP / DELAY / REMOVE and ends with a single, unambiguous next action. Trigger on "audit before…
Use when the user adds a project to the workspace, opens an unfamiliar repo, asks "what is this project", "explain this codebase", or invokes explain-new-project. Explores a newly opened workspace project and writes a plain-language report for a self-taught, non-technical user—quick start (what it is + how to run)…
Run before building anything new — a pre-build gate that decides whether an idea deserves its own tool, judged from both the agent lens (legible, drivable, automatable) and the human lens (will I touch it, do I want to maintain it). Trigger on "should I build X", "starting a new project / app / tool / repo", "is this…
Run on an existing project to decide KEEP / MERGE / ARCHIVE — never limbo. Forces a call on tools that already exist and may have stopped earning their keep. Trigger on "is this still worth keeping", "audit this repo", "tech-debt cleanup", "sweep the folder", "what's dead here", or any signal that something hasn't…
Use when returning to a repo after a break, asking what changed, what's new for this stack, or invoking project-catch-up after explain-new-project. Scans the stack for important updates, deprecations, new helper tools, agent skills, and MCP servers online—plain-language brief saved as PROJECTCATCHUP.md.
Use when the user wants the full package on a repo, says run my project workflow, project check-in, or is overwhelmed opening an old or new folder. Runs the project onboarding checklist—explain-new-project, project-worth-my-time, and project-catch-up—in order or on demand.
Use after PROJECTGUIDE.md exists, when the user asks if a project is worth their time, should they build vs buy, or invokes project-worth-my-time. Follow-up to explain-new-project—weighs project context (files, git history, chat) to recommend whether to invest in a repo, cherry-pick a feature, park the idea, pass, or…
At the end of a long working session, produce a counterfactual trace note — a backward walk through the session that identifies the small number of load-bearing moments (observations, failures, accidents, decisions) without which the final outcome would not exist. Use this whenever the user asks to "close the…
Before improving anything, show the spread of what can concretely be done on this specific input — a short menu of 3-5 interventions from lightest to heaviest touch, then wait for the user to pick. Domain-agnostic; works on any material the user hands over. Trigger when the user says "spread", "show me my options"…
Teach the user exactly ONE thing from the current session or project, in plain English, one or two short paragraphs. Use when the user types ;til or "til", asks "what did I learn", "explain one thing from this session", or at session close alongside other closing rituals. Also appropriate mid-session when a concept…
Use when exposing app features to App Intents, Shortcuts, Siri, Spotlight, widgets, controls, or system actions — small safe AppIntents, AppShortcutsProvider, AppEnum/AppEntity, parameters, and open-vs-background behavior.
Use when shipping a macOS app outside the App Store — Developer ID signing with hardened runtime, notarization with notarytool, stapling, building a clean drag-to-Applications DMG, and verifying the result launches on a stranger's Mac.
Use when reading, writing, or watching the macOS clipboard — NSPasteboard types and multiple representations, the changeCount polling pattern, the transient/concealed pasteboard conventions clipboard tools must respect, and the Sequoia paste-privacy alerts.
Use when adding or reviewing keyboard shortcuts in a macOS app — in-app vs global, RegisterEventHotKey vs the KeyboardShortcuts package vs NSEvent monitors, user-configurable recording, conflict handling, and which defaults won't collide with the system.
Use when adding, reviewing, or debugging Launch at Login in a macOS app — SMAppService registration, the requiresApproval state, a Settings toggle that reflects reality, and migration off deprecated login-item APIs.
Use when building, refactoring, or debugging a macOS menu bar app with SwiftUI — MenuBarExtra vs NSStatusItem, .menu vs .window style, LSUIElement, launch at login, global shortcuts, and popover architecture.
Use when adding or reviewing macOS user notifications — UNUserNotificationCenter permission flow, categories and action buttons, click routing through the delegate, foreground presentation, and rules that keep notifications from becoming spam.
Use when a macOS app needs a TCC permission or touches private data — the map of which API, Info.plist key, and entitlement each permission needs, pre-prompt explanation patterns, denied-state recovery with System Settings deep links, and honest privacy copy.