self-compact

name	self-compact
description	Workaround for Claude Code auto-compact bug. Self-compact via Emacs MCP server.

Self-Compact via Emacs MCP Server

When auto-compact fails (recent Claude Code bug), compact context yourself:

Steps

1. Find your vterm buffer name:

   mcp__emacs-server__eval_elisp: (mapcar #'buffer-name (buffer-list))
   

   Look for a buffer matching <project>-<digits>-<digits>-<digits>-<digits>

2. Send /compact + follow-up in ONE call with delays:

   mcp__emacs-server__eval_elisp:
     code: |
       (let ((buf (get-buffer "<your-vterm-buffer-name>")))
         (when (and buf (buffer-live-p buf))
           (with-current-buffer buf
             (vterm-send-string "/compact")
             (vterm-send-return)
             (sit-for 2)
             (vterm-send-string "continue")
             (vterm-send-return)
             (list :success t :commands-sent 2))))
   

Multi-Command with Delays Pattern

Use eval_elisp with sit-for to send sequential commands:

(let ((buf (get-buffer "BUFFER-NAME")))
  (with-current-buffer buf
    (vterm-send-string "COMMAND-1")
    (vterm-send-return)
    (sit-for DELAY-SECONDS)
    (vterm-send-string "COMMAND-2")
    (vterm-send-return)
    (sit-for DELAY-SECONDS)
    (vterm-send-string "COMMAND-3")
    (vterm-send-return)))

Key: sit-for delays

• (sit-for 1) = 1 second delay
• (sit-for 2) = 2 second delay
• Must be in ONE eval_elisp call — after /compact the buffer state changes
• send_command_to_vterm only sends ONE command — use eval_elisp for sequences

MCP Reconnect Pattern

(let ((buf (get-buffer "BUFFER-NAME")))
  (with-current-buffer buf
    (vterm-send-string "/mcp reconnect scitex")
    (vterm-send-return)))

When to use

• Context is getting large and auto-compact hasn't triggered
• User says "compact" or context feels heavy
• NEVER ask the user to compact — do it yourself
• MCP server disconnected — reconnect yourself

Notes

• list_vterm_buffers may fail with vterm--process-alive-p error — use eval_elisp instead
• list_buffers may return empty — use eval_elisp with (buffer-list) directly
• Always send commands in a SINGLE eval_elisp call with sit-for between them