| name | resume-session |
| description | Load the most recent session file and resume work with full context from where the last session ended. Use at the start of a new session after a save-session or split. Part of claude-cost-helpers (idle-tax). |
Resume Session
Load the last saved session state and orient fully before doing any work.
Usage
/resume-session # loads most recent session file
/resume-session 2026-03-16 # loads most recent for that date
/resume-session path/to/file.md # loads a specific file
Process
Step 1: Find the session file
If no argument: check ~/.claude/sessions/, pick the most recently modified *-session.md file.
If argument is a date: search for files matching that date prefix.
If argument is a path: read that file directly.
If nothing found: "No session files found. Run /save-session at the end of a session to create one."
Step 2: Read the entire file
Read the complete file. Do not summarize yet.
Step 3: Output a structured briefing
SESSION LOADED: [path]
========================================
PROJECT: [name / topic]
BRANCH: [branch if noted]
WHAT WE'RE BUILDING:
[2-3 sentence summary in your own words]
CURRENT STATE:
Working: [count] items confirmed
In Progress: [list]
Not Started: [list]
WHAT NOT TO RETRY:
[list every failed approach with reason — critical]
OPEN QUESTIONS / BLOCKERS:
[list]
NEXT STEP:
[exact next step from the file, or "Not defined — review untried approaches"]
========================================
Ready to continue. What would you like to do?
Step 4: Wait for the user
Do NOT start working automatically. Do NOT touch any files. Wait for direction.
If the next step is defined and the user says "continue" — proceed with that exact step.
If no next step — suggest approaches from "What Has NOT Been Tried Yet."
Edge Cases
- Session > 7 days old: Note the gap — "This session is from N days ago. Things may have changed."
- Referenced files no longer exist: Flag during briefing.
- Multiple files for same date: Load the most recently modified.
- Empty/malformed file: Report and suggest running /save-session fresh.
Notes
- Never modify the session file when loading — it's read-only history
- Always show "What Not To Retry" even if empty — too important to skip
Companion Hook
This skill is part of the Idle Tax helper (idle-tax). The companion hook (cache-idle-timer.sh) warns when your prompt cache has expired. Install the hook for automatic warnings: cd idle-tax && ./install.sh
