checkpoint

name	checkpoint
description	Use when context is getting heavy, at natural breakpoints between subtasks, or when the user asks to checkpoint — writes the agent's full working context to a recoverable file before compaction

Checkpoint

Dump your current working context to a project-specific file in the vault so it survives compaction or session boundaries. Keeps last 5 checkpoints.

When to Use

• User says /checkpoint
• You sense context is getting large (long session, many tool calls)
• You're about to pivot to a different task
• Before the user runs /compact

Where to Write

Per-project: ~/obsidian_notes/projects/<project>/working-context.md

Determine the project from your CWD or the task at hand. Match against existing vault project folders:

• Working in ~/ECE_8893_FPGA/ → projects/ece8893-fpga/working-context.md
• Working in ~/teknofest_chip_design/ → create projects/teknofest/working-context.md

Fallback: If no project matches, use ~/obsidian_notes/agent/working-context.md

Format

Each checkpoint is separated by a ---CHECKPOINT--- marker. Append a new entry, then trim to keep only the last 5.

---CHECKPOINT---
## Checkpoint — YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM

**CWD:** /path/to/working/directory

### Current Goal
What you are trying to accomplish — quote the user's original request.

### Plan & Approach
The strategy you're following. Numbered steps if multi-step.
Mark which steps are [x] done vs [ ] remaining.

### Progress
What's been completed. Be specific — file paths, function names, test results.

### Key Decisions
Decisions made and WHY. Future you needs the rationale, not just the choice.

### Active Files
Files you're reading, editing, or monitoring. List paths.

### Open / Blocked
Anything unresolved, waiting on the user, or stuck. "None" if clear.

Rules

• Append + trim to 5. Don't overwrite the file — append a new ---CHECKPOINT--- entry, then trim older entries so only the last 5 remain.
• Be concrete. File paths, function names, error messages — not summaries.
• Include the user's words. Quote the original request so post-compact you doesn't reinterpret it.
• 30 seconds, not 5 minutes. This is a quick dump, not a polished document.

Trimming

After appending, read the file back, split on ---CHECKPOINT---, keep the last 5 entries, and rewrite the file.