ledger-init

Initialize Context Ledger

Create a new Context Ledger workspace for evidence-based product development.

Context Isolation: This command invokes the initializing-ledger skill which runs in a forked context. The initialization work is performed in isolation, keeping the main conversation clean.

Arguments

$ARGUMENTS: The project brief - a text description of what you're building.

Optional flags:

• --path <path> - Custom workspace location (default: ./ledger/)

Workflow

1. Parse Brief

   • Extract core description (max 5 sentences)
   • Identify target users
   • Extract goals (must be specific/measurable)
   • Extract constraints
   • Identify out-of-scope items

2. Validate Completeness

   • Check for required components
   • Prompt for missing critical information
   • Confirm interpretation with user if ambiguous

3. Create Directory Structure

   ledger/
   ├── 00-brief/
   ├── 01-pillars/
   ├── 02-evidence/{market,users,tech,competitors,design,legal,ops,economics}/
   ├── 03-synthesis/
   ├── 04-decisions/
   ├── 05-risks/
   ├── 06-prd/
   ├── 07-architecture/
   ├── 08-plan/
   ├── 09-brand/
   └── 10-gtm-ops/
   

4. Generate Initial Files

   • 00-brief/BRIEF.md - Structured brief document
   • 01-pillars/PILLARS.md - Pillar configuration with priorities

5. Report Summary

   • Workspace path
   • Brief summary
   • Pillar priorities
   • Next steps

Example Usage

Basic initialization

/ledger-init Build a task management app for remote software teams that integrates with Slack and GitHub

With custom path

/ledger-init --path ~/projects/taskapp/ledger "Build a task management app for remote teams"

Detailed brief

/ledger-init We're building a documentation tool for developers. Target: small dev teams (5-50 people). Must ship MVP in 6 weeks. Web-only for now, no mobile. Key goal is reducing documentation time by 30%.

Output

## Ledger Initialized

**Path:** ./ledger/
**Created:** 2026-01-21

### Brief Summary
Building a task management app for remote software teams with Slack and GitHub integration.

### Pillar Priorities

**High Priority:**
- Users (remote team workflows critical)
- Competitors (crowded market)
- Tech (integration requirements)

**Medium Priority:**
- Market, Design, Economics

**Lower Priority:**
- Legal, Ops (MVP phase)

### Next Step
Run `/ledger-research` to begin parallel evidence collection across all pillars.