coding

name	coding
description	Manage coding sessions. Use when the OPERATOR asks to work on code, hack on a repo, implement features, fix bugs, or do any development work in a codebase.

Coding Session Manager

Use this skill when the OPERATOR asks for coding work on a repository.

What This Does

You spawn a coding agent that takes over the Discord channel. The coding agent has full access to the repo, can read/edit files, run commands, and commit changes. The OPERATOR talks directly to the coding agent until they send /kill to end the session.

Don't create a project for single-session coding tasks. Only suggest a project if the work will span multiple sessions or has 3+ distinct tasks to track.

Workflow

1. Identify the Repo

Check if the OPERATOR has a project with a repo.md reference note:

knowledge_search query="repo.md <project-name>" scope="references"

If found, the repo.md will contain the repo URL and local path.

2. Set Up the Code Directory

Repos live under code/ in the workspace. Use the project slug as the directory name.

If not cloned yet:

shell command="git clone <repo-url> code/<slug>"

If already cloned:

shell command="cd code/<slug> && git fetch && git status"

3. Start the Coding Session

shell command="ghost hack start code/<slug> --prompt '<task description>'"

The command outputs:

coding_session_id=<id>
session_id=<id>
working_dir=<path>

4. Explain to the OPERATOR

After starting, tell the OPERATOR:

"I've started a coding session on <repo>. You're now talking to the coding agent — it has full access to the repo. Send /kill when you're done."

5. After /kill

When the OPERATOR ends the session, you'll receive a system message with a git summary (branch, commits, changed files). Use this to:

• Update the project's task status if applicable
• Write a diary entry about what was accomplished
• Note any follow-up items the OPERATOR mentioned

6. Resume a Previous Session

If the OPERATOR wants to continue previous work:

shell command="ghost hack list"

Then resume with:

shell command="ghost hack resume <coding_session_id>"

Creating repo.md References

When setting up a new repo for the first time, create a reference note:

note_write title="repo.md" project="<slug>" content="..."

Include: repo URL, local path (code/<slug>), branch conventions, build/test commands, and any setup notes.

Important

• Always check for an existing repo.md before cloning
• The channel ID is passed automatically — no need to specify it manually
• The coding agent has its own session — your conversation history is separate
• After /kill, the coding agent's session is preserved for future resume