| name | context-prime |
| description | Loads structured project context at session start from README, docs, plans, git state, and memory MCPs. Use when orienting on a known project, resuming after a gap, or when the user says "prime context" or "/context-prime". |
When to use
- orienting on a known project, resuming after a gap, or when the user says "prime context" or "/context-prime"
On-demand loading: Read this skill only when starting or resuming work on a known project. Do not load for unrelated tasks.
Context Prime Skill
Use this skill at the start of a session on a known project to quickly load structured context. Invoke when starting work, resuming after a gap, or when you need a fast orientation of the project state.
Trigger phrases
- "prime context"
- "load project context"
- "/context-prime"
- "orient me on this project"
- "what's the current state of the project"
- "context load"
Skill instructions
When this skill is invoked, execute the following steps to build and emit a structured context summary:
Step 1: Read project identity
Read these files if they exist (in order):
README.md — project overview, tech stack, quick start
package.json / pyproject.toml / Cargo.toml / go.mod — name, version, dependencies
.cursor/plans/workflow_state.md — current workflow phase and active tasks
AGENTS.md — agent conventions for this project
Extract:
- Project name and purpose
- Primary language(s) and frameworks
- Key scripts/commands (
dev, test, build, lint)
- Current workflow state (if available)
Step 2: Read recent decisions and docs
Scan these paths for relevant context:
docs/ — architecture, decisions, API contracts (read top-level index or most recent files)
.cursor/plans/ — any .plan.md or .md files (read titles and summaries)
CHANGELOG.md or HISTORY.md — last 10 entries for recent changes
Step 3: Identify recently modified files
Run to find files modified in the last 7 days:
git log --since="7 days ago" --name-only --format="" | sort -u | head -20
Or use Glob to find recent files and read key ones for context.
Step 4: Check current git state
git status --short
git log --oneline -10
git branch --show-current
Extract:
- Current branch
- Recent commits (last 10)
- Uncommitted changes
Step 5: Query memory systems (if available)
If user-cursor10x-mcp is available, query for recent project context (e.g. getComprehensiveContext). If user-devcontext is available, query for active session state (e.g. initialize_conversation_context). Extract:
- Previous session context for this project
- Stored decisions and findings
- Active tasks or blockers
Step 6: Emit structured context summary
Output in this format:
## Project Context: <PROJECT_NAME>
**Purpose:** <one-line description>
**Stack:** <languages, frameworks, databases>
**Key commands:**
- Dev: `<command>`
- Test: `<command>`
- Build: `<command>`
- Lint: `<command>`
---
**Current branch:** <branch>
**Workflow phase:** <phase from workflow_state.md or "unknown">
**Active tasks:**
- <task 1>
- <task 2>
---
**Recent changes (last 7 days):**
- <file 1>: <what changed>
- <file 2>: <what changed>
**Uncommitted changes:**
- <file>: <M/A/D status>
---
**Architecture highlights:**
<2-3 sentences from docs/ or README>
**Open decisions / known issues:**
<from plans/ or recent commits>
---
**Suggested focus areas for this session:**
1. <area 1>
2. <area 2>
Notes
- This skill is inspired by the elizaOS
/context-prime command pattern, adapted for Cursor skills format.
- If memory MCP tools are available, prefer querying them for richer cross-session context.
- Keep the output concise — aim for one screen of context, not an encyclopedia.
- For monorepos, scope to the relevant package/app directory when possible.