---

name: checkpoint-cycle description: Create checkpoint manifest. Scaffold, populate fields, commit. recipes:

• checkpoint
• commit-session
• session-end generated: 2025-12-25 last_updated: '2026-01-19T13:44:59'

---

Checkpoint Cycle

Create a checkpoint manifest for session handoff.

When to Use

After /new-checkpoint scaffolds the file, this skill guides population.

---

What to Do

1. Populate the Manifest

The checkpoint is a loading manifest, not an activity log.

Fields to fill:

2. Store Learnings

For each significant decision/learning this session:

Copyingester_ingest(
  content="<learning>",
  source_path="checkpoint:session-{N}",
  content_type_hint="techne"
)

Add returned concept IDs to load_memory_refs.

3. Drift Observation Gate (SHOULD)

If drift_observed is non-empty, prompt before commit:

CopyDrift observed this session:
- {drift_item_1}
- {drift_item_2}

Create formal observation(s) for triage? [Y/n]

If yes: For each drift item, create observation file:

Copy# Write to epochs/{current_epoch}/observations/obs-{session}-{n}.md

Use observation template:

• id: obs-{session}-{n}
• triage_status: pending
• potential_action: bugfix | investigation | adr | skill-update

If no: Proceed (agent judged drift minor, doesn't need formal tracking).

Rationale: Drift mentioned in checkpoint but not captured as observation gets lost. This nudge ensures drift surfaces for triage without being a hard gate.

5. Commit

Copyjust commit-session {session} "{title}"
just session-end {session}

---

Example Completed Manifest

Copy---
template: checkpoint
session: 186
prior_session: 185
date: 2026-01-10

load_principles:
  - .claude/haios/epochs/E2/architecture/S20-pressure-dynamics.md

load_memory_refs:
  - 81222
  - 81248

pending:
  - E2-281
  - E2-282

drift_observed:
  - "survey-cycle is 5 phases, S20 says single-phase"

completed:
  - E2-279
---

---

Key Principle

The checkpoint is a manifest. The memory is the content. Git is the log.

No ceremony. No exit criteria checklists. Fill the fields, store learnings, commit.