memory-verification

name	memory-verification
description	Use when applying facts from .github/instructions/ to confirm those facts still match the current codebase before acting on them. Prevents errors from stale architecture instructions.
user-invocable	false

Validate that facts from .github/instructions/ still match the codebase before applying them. Prevents errors from outdated instruction content.

When to Use

Load this skill at the start of any task where you:

• Apply a pattern or architecture fact from .github/instructions/
• Reference a specific file, function, or component from an instruction file
• Use a previously recorded API contract, state shape, or service boundary

Constraints

• Do not skip verification to save time. A 5-second check prevents a 30-minute repair loop.
• Do not assume memory is correct just because it was recently written.
• Do not flag a memory as stale based on superficial differences (e.g., minor rename). Verify the semantic meaning is unchanged.

Approach

For each memory claim being applied:

1. Locate the reference — Find the exact file, function, or component the memory describes.
2. Verify existence — Confirm the file/function/component still exists at the recorded path.
3. Verify semantics — Confirm the described behavior, contract, or shape still matches the current code.
4. Check for recent changes — Look for co-located test changes or updated type definitions that suggest a refactor.
5. Classify the memory:
   • ✅ Valid — Still accurate. Apply it.
   • ⚠️ Stale — No longer matches the current code. Do not apply. Record the discrepancy.
   • ❓ Uncertain — Partial match or ambiguous. Verify manually before applying.
6. Update if stale — Write a correction to the relevant .github/instructions/*.instructions.md file with current facts before proceeding.

Output Format

For each verified memory:

• Memory claim: <what the memory states>
• Verification result: ✅ Valid / ⚠️ Stale / ❓ Uncertain
• Discrepancy (if stale): <what has changed>
• Action taken: Applied / Skipped / Updated