ejs-session-init

name	ejs-session-init
description	Initialize an Engineering Journey System (EJS) session by creating a Session Journey file, refreshing the ADR/journey database index, and setting up metadata for continuous recording throughout the session.

EJS Session Initialization

Use this skill when a session is starting — for example when the user says "initialize session", "start session", "create session journey", or begins work on a new task, feature, or bug fix.

Steps

1. Refresh the EJS database index

   python scripts/adr-db.py sync
   

   This ensures past ADRs and session journeys are queryable for context. The database is the primary lookup method — always query it before reading raw markdown files. Use adr-db.py search <query> or adr-db.py summary to find relevant past decisions. Only fall back to reading the markdown files directly when you need more detail than the database provides.

2. Determine the session ID

   • Format: ejs-session-YYYY-MM-DD-<seq> (2-digit daily sequence)
   • Check ejs-docs/journey/YYYY/ for existing sessions today and increment the sequence number.

3. Create the Session Journey file

   • Copy the template from ejs-docs/journey/_templates/journey-template.md
   • Save to ejs-docs/journey/YYYY/ejs-session-YYYY-MM-DD-<seq>.md

4. Populate initial metadata Fill in the frontmatter fields:

   • session_id — the generated session ID
   • author — the human user (if known)
   • date — today's date (YYYY-MM-DD)
   • repo — current repository name
   • branch — current git branch
   • agents_involved — list the active agents (e.g., [copilot])
   • decision_detected: false — initial value; updated at session end
   • adr_links: [] — populated if an ADR is created later

5. Capture initial Problem / Intent

   • Write the user's stated goal or task description into the Problem / Intent section.

6. Confirm initialization

   • Inform the user: "Session initialized: ejs-session-YYYY-MM-DD-<seq>"

Contextual References

• Session Journey template: ejs-docs/journey/_templates/journey-template.md
• ADR template: ejs-docs/adr/0000-adr-template.md
• Lifecycle patterns: ejs-docs/session-lifecycle-patterns.md
• Database tool: scripts/adr-db.py

Key Principle

Initialize early, capture context while it's fresh. A well-initialized session reduces the burden at session end and produces higher-quality documentation.