wip-file-guard

Hook that blocks destructive edits to protected identity files. For Claude Code CLI and OpenClaw.

When to Use This Skill

Use wip-file-guard for:

• Protecting CLAUDE.md, SOUL.md, IDENTITY.md, MEMORY.md, and other identity files from being overwritten
• Blocking AI agents from replacing file content instead of extending it
• Surviving context compaction (behavioral rules get erased, but hooks don't)

This is a technical guardrail, not a prompt. It blocks the operation before it happens.

Do NOT Use For

• Protecting binary files or images
• Blocking all edits (it allows small edits, only blocks destructive ones)
• Repos without identity files

How It Works

Two rules:

1. Write is blocked on protected files. Always. Use Edit instead.
2. Edit is blocked when it removes more than 2 net lines from a protected file.

Protected Files

CLAUDE.md, SHARED-CONTEXT.md, SOUL.md, IDENTITY.md, CONTEXT.md, TOOLS.md, MEMORY.md

Protected Patterns

Any file matching: memory, memories, journal, diary, daily log

API Reference

CLI

node guard.mjs --list          # list protected files
bash test.sh                   # run test suite

Claude Code Hook

Add to ~/.claude/settings.json:

{
  "hooks": {
    "PreToolUse": [
      {
        "matcher": "Edit|Write",
        "hooks": [
          {
            "type": "command",
            "command": "node \"/path/to/wip-file-guard/guard.mjs\"",
            "timeout": 5
          }
        ]
      }
    ]
  }
}

Troubleshooting

Agent keeps trying to Write

The deny message tells the agent to re-read the file and use Edit instead. If the agent ignores it, it's likely post-compaction and has lost context. The hook will keep blocking.

Edit blocked unexpectedly

Check the net line removal. Edits that remove more than 2 lines from a protected file are blocked. Small edits (adding or replacing 1-2 lines) are allowed.