cmd_aside

Project Path

The first argument is the project path. Before doing anything else:

1. Extract the project path from the first argument
2. Verify the path exists
3. Work within that directory for all file operations and shell commands

Aside Command

Ask a question mid-task and get an immediate, focused answer — then continue right where you left off. The current task, files, and context are never modified.

When to Use

• You're curious about something while Claude is working and don't want to lose momentum
• You need a quick explanation of code Claude is currently editing
• You want a second opinion or clarification on a decision without derailing the task
• You need to understand an error, concept, or pattern before Claude proceeds
• You want to ask something unrelated to the current task without starting a new session

Usage

/aside <your question>
/aside what does this function actually return?
/aside is this pattern thread-safe?
/aside why are we using X instead of Y here?
/aside what's the difference between foo() and bar()?
/aside should we be worried about the N+1 query we just added?

Process

Step 1: Freeze the current task state

Before answering anything, mentally note:

• What is the active task? (what file, feature, or problem was being worked on)
• What step was in progress at the moment /aside was invoked?
• What was about to happen next?

Do NOT touch, edit, create, or delete any files during the aside.

Step 2: Answer the question directly

Answer the question in the most concise form that is still complete and useful.

• Lead with the answer, not the reasoning
• Keep it short — if a full explanation is needed, offer to go deeper after the task
• If the question is about the current file or code being worked on, reference it precisely (file path and line number if relevant)
• If answering requires reading a file, read it — but read only, never write

Format the response as:

ASIDE: [restate the question briefly]

[Your answer here]

— Back to task: [one-line description of what was being done]