| name | context-retrieval-loop |
| description | Use when about to write a new doc, README section, or ADR, updating existing documentation with unclear scope, or spawning a documentation subagent that needs file context. |
Context Retrieval Loop (Documentation)
Gather documentation context before writing or updating docs. Prevents duplicating existing content or violating project conventions.
When to Use
- About to write a new doc, README section, or ADR
- Updating existing documentation and unsure of scope
- Spawning a documentation subagent that needs file context
The 3-Cycle Loop
Cycle 1 — Broad Search
find . -name "*.md" -not -path "*/node_modules/*" | head -30
rg "<topic>" docs/ *.md -l 2>/dev/null
Stop here if you find the existing doc that covers this topic.
Cycle 2 — Source and Existing Docs
Read the source files the docs will describe. Find existing docs for the same area:
rg "<module-name>" docs/ -l
cat README.md | head -60
Stop here if you understand the scope of what needs to be written or updated.
Cycle 3 — Conventions and Setup
ls docs/ .github/ 2>/dev/null
cat AGENTS.md CLAUDE.md 2>/dev/null | head -40
Check: Is there a doc style guide? A template? A contribution guide with doc requirements?
Output
Context gathered:
<file-path> — <reason>
Missing context (if any):
<what is still unclear>
State gaps. Do not write documentation that contradicts undiscovered existing content.
Verification
