| name | checkpoint |
| description | Save mid-session state for recovery without clearing context. Use after major milestones, before risky operations, or periodically during long sessions. |
| allowed-tools | Read, Write |
Checkpoint
Save session state at key points to enable recovery without losing progress. Unlike /compact (clears context), checkpoint preserves everything.
When to Use
- After completing significant work
- Before attempting something risky
- Every 30-45 minutes in long sessions
- Before spawning multiple parallel agents
- When user takes a break
Checkpoint Types
| Type | Trigger | Depth |
|---|
| Milestone | Major work completed | Full |
| Periodic | Time-based (30-45 min) | Standard |
| Pre-risk | About to try uncertain operation | Full + rollback plan |
| Quick | User stepping away | Minimal |
What Gets Saved
- Current objective and task in progress
- Position in workflow (which steps complete)
- Files changed and decisions made
- Active agents and pending results
- Docs loaded and key facts established
Process
- Determine checkpoint type (milestone/periodic/pre-risk/quick)
- Write to
.context/checkpoints/checkpoint-[timestamp].md
- Update
.context/checkpoints/INDEX.md
- Confirm to user and continue work
Output Location
.context/checkpoints/checkpoint-[timestamp].md
Quick Checkpoint
For rapid saves:
# Quick Checkpoint - [timestamp]
**Task**: [current]
**Position**: [where]
**Next**: [next action]
**Files**: [changed]
Comparison
| Skill | When | Context | Purpose |
|---|
| /checkpoint | Mid-session | Preserved | Recovery point |
| /compact | Context saturated | Cleared | Continue working |
| /handoff | Session ending | N/A | Pass to next session |
Related
