knowledge-compounding

name	knowledge-compounding
description	Use when a non-trivial problem is solved or substantial work should make future sessions easier.

Knowledge Compounding

Turn proven solutions and reusable session learnings into searchable project memory. Announce use before writing documentation.

When to Use

Use after a difficult debugging fix, non-obvious root cause, recurring workaround, significant feature, or newly discovered codebase convention. Confirmation such as “that worked” is a signal, not sufficient evidence: skip typos, obvious corrections, and trivial configuration changes.

Route

• For a solved problem, search before creating anything, then follow solution capture.
• For end-of-session or reusable project learning, follow progress memory.
• Use only the relevant branch; do not load both references by default.

Invariants

• Search before writing in docs/solutions/; cross-link related records and create a new record only for a distinct root cause.
• Every solution record explains problem, observable symptoms, root cause, proven solution, and prevention. Preserve exact errors and useful file or version context.
• Store solution records under docs/solutions/<category>/; when three or 3+ related issues establish a reusable pattern, add a pattern record.
• Keep docs/progress.md append-only for session entries while consolidating reusable patterns at its top.
• Capture only verified knowledge. Never turn a hypothesis or failed attempt into prescribed guidance.

Red Flags

• Vague “fixed the code” prose, unexplained code dumps, or missing prevention.
• Duplicating an existing solution without searching or cross-referencing it.
• Recording secrets, customer data, transient noise, or session-specific details as general patterns.
• Replacing progress history or allowing repeated patterns to accumulate without consolidation.

Integration

Triggered after systematic-debugging, tricky executing-plans work, compound workflows, or before pause handoff. Outputs feed writing-plans, brainstorming, and resume context restoration. Present the created or updated path, then return to the active workflow.