load-checkpoint

name	load-checkpoint
description	Load a saved checkpoint from .claude/checkpoints/ to restore important context from a previous session. Defaults to the most recent file; lets the user pick if they want a different one. Use when the user invokes /load-checkpoint, starts a new session referencing previous work, says "resume where we left off", or wants to pick up from a handoff written by /checkpoint.

load-checkpoint

Read a previously-saved checkpoint and ground the new session in that context.

Workflow

1. Locate checkpoints

   ls -1t .claude/checkpoints/*.md 2>/dev/null
   

   • If the directory doesn't exist or is empty: tell the user there are no checkpoints and stop.
   • If exactly one file: use it.
   • If multiple files: default to the most recent (top of ls -1t). Mention the others exist and offer to load a different one if the user wants.

2. Read the checkpoint Use the Read tool on the chosen file. Do not pipe through cat.

3. Acknowledge and summarize In 4–6 lines, restate to the user:

   • What the task was
   • Where the previous session left off (last completed step)
   • What the next step should be, per the checkpoint's "Open questions / next steps"

   Do not parrot the whole file back — the user can read it. Show that you've internalized it.

4. Verify before acting Checkpoints can go stale. Before doing work based on the checkpoint:

   • Check that referenced files still exist and contain the lines/symbols mentioned.
   • Check git status and git log to see what changed since the checkpoint was written.
   • If the world has moved on, flag the divergence to the user before proceeding.

5. Proceed with the next step from the checkpoint, or wait for the user's direction.

Notes

• The most recent file is the default — only ask which to load when the user signals they want an older one.
• Never delete or modify checkpoint files automatically. They are the user's record.
• If the checkpoint references decisions or files that no longer exist, treat that as a signal the checkpoint is outdated, not as a reason to recreate them blindly.
• Companion skill: /checkpoint writes these files.