system-boot

System Boot - Context Loader + Session Guidelines

You are loading the project context for the current session. Follow these steps in order, then apply the session guidelines throughout.

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Part 1: Context Loading

Step 1: Read the Memory Index

Read .claude/memory/index.json to get the active project name.

If this file does not exist, skip to the "No Memory Found" fallback at the bottom.

Step 2: Read Project State

Read .claude/memory/projects/{active}.json where {active} is the project name from Step 1.

This file contains the project goals, current phase, progress log, and any known blockers.

If this file does not exist, skip to the "No Memory Found" fallback.

Step 3: Present Context Block

Output a compact context block in this format:

Project: {name} | Phase: {phase}
Last progress: {summary of the most recent entry in the progress array}
Next step: {suggested_next from the latest progress entry, or the first unfinished goal}
Known blockers: {any blocking issues listed in the blockers field, or "none"}

Rules for the context block:

• Keep it under 200 tokens total
• Summarize progress entries - do not paste them verbatim
• If there are multiple goals, show only the primary one
• If blockers is empty or missing, show "none"

Step 4: Check for Recent Handoff

Look for the most recent file in .claude/handoffs/ (sort by filename, newest first).

If a handoff file exists:

• Read it
• Add a brief summary to the context block:

  Last handoff: {date from filename}
  Next action: {content from the "Next Session" section of the handoff}
  

If no handoff files exist, skip this step.

Step 5: Ready to Work

After showing the context block, say one sentence about what you are ready to help with, based on the next step from the handoff or the latest progress entry.

Example: "Ready to continue with {next step}. What would you like to tackle first?"

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Part 2: Session Guidelines

These guidelines apply throughout the entire session, not just at boot.