| name | context-engine-hardening |
| description | Harden memory_heist.py against token blowouts, unbounded growth, cross-platform path bugs, stale Claude references, and continuation/parser marker drift. Use when modifying memory_heist.py, fixing compaction logic, capping diffs, or adding safety limits to the Context Engine. |
Context Engine Hardening
When to Use
- Modifying
src/memory_heist.py
- Fixing token budget issues, diff size blowouts, or summary growth
- Ensuring cross-platform path handling (Windows/Linux/macOS)
- Removing residual Claude-specific naming
- Changing
_format_continuation() or _extract_prior_summary()
Checklist
- Read
src/memory_heist.py before making changes.
- Verify
IGNORE_DIRS includes .sessions and .hermes.
- Verify all instruction constants reference Ham names (
SWARM.md, .ham).
- Verify
discover_config() uses .ham.json / .ham/ paths only.
- Check that
git_diff() output is capped by MAX_DIFF_CHARS (when implemented).
- Check that
_summarize() caps the Timeline to the last N messages (e.g. 20).
- Check that
_merge_summaries() truncates the previous summary to prevent nesting growth.
- Check that
_extract_key_files() does NOT gate on "/" in token only — extension-based detection for cross-platform paths.
- Check that
_format_continuation() uses agent-appropriate language, not chatbot phrasing.
- Continuation / parser coupling: If
_format_continuation() text changes, update _extract_prior_summary() end_markers to match; keep legacy markers for backward compatibility with existing session JSON until migrated.
- Run lints on
src/memory_heist.py after changes.
- Add or update tests for any behavioral change (see Repo Context Regression Testing skill).
Key Constants to Audit
| Constant | Default | Purpose |
|---|
MAX_INSTRUCTION_FILE_CHARS | 4,000 | Per-file instruction cap |
MAX_TOTAL_INSTRUCTION_CHARS | 12,000 | Total instruction budget |
MAX_DIFF_CHARS | 8,000 | Git diff output cap |
MAX_SUMMARY_CHARS | 4,000 | Compaction summary cap |
All of these should be overridable via ContextBuilder constructor params once wiring is complete.
