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

1. 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

2. 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

3. 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