Create Handoff

Generate a HANDOFF.md file to preserve context for the next AI session.

When to Use

• User says "let's continue later"

• User asks to save current progress

• Session is ending but work is incomplete

• User explicitly asks for a handoff

Process

Identify relevant files (target 8-15 files, up to 20 for complex work)

• Files being edited or will be edited

• Dependencies and imports

• Relevant tests

• Configuration files

• Key reference documentation

Draft context and goals

• What we're working on

• Current state and progress

• Decisions made

• Constraints and preferences

• Technical patterns discovered

• Next steps or remaining tasks

Exclude

• Conversation back-and-forth

• Dead ends and failed attempts

• Meta-commentary

• File contents (just list paths)

Output Format

Save to HANDOFF.md in the repository root:

Handoff: [Brief Title]

Context

[What we're building/fixing and why]

Current State

[What's been done, what's in progress]

Key Files

• path/to/file.ts - [why it matters]
• path/to/test.ts - [relevant tests] [8-15 files with brief descriptions]

Decisions & Constraints

• [Decision made]
• [User preference]
• [Technical constraint]

Next Steps

1. [Specific task]
2. [Specific task]

Tips

• Be generous with files - cost is low, missing critical files is high

• Preserve user preferences exactly as stated

• Focus on actionable next steps

• Keep it scannable - bullet points over paragraphs