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name: load-project-context description: Load project structure and navigation for complex tasks. Use when exploring unfamiliar parts of codebase or starting complex multi-file tasks. trigger: When exploring unfamiliar code areas, planning complex features, or needing project structure overview

Load Project Context

Loads the project index file to understand project structure without reading the entire codebase.

When to Use

• Before exploring unfamiliar parts of the codebase
• When planning complex multi-file changes
• When you need to understand where specific functionality lives
• At the start of complex orchestrator workflows

When NOT to Use

• For simple, single-file tasks
• When you already know the file locations
• For trivial bug fixes

Algorithm

1. Check if .claude/project-index.md exists
2. If exists:
   • Read the file
   • Return the content for agent consumption
3. If not exists:
   • Inform that project index is not configured
   • Suggest creating one from template

Implementation

Copy### Step 1: Check for project index

Read the file `.claude/project-index.md`

### Step 2: If file exists

Return the full content. The agent should use this to:
- Understand project structure
- Identify key directories for the task
- Find relevant patterns and conventions

### Step 3: If file does not exist

Return this message:
"Project index not found. To create one:
1. Copy `.claude/templates/project-index.template.md` to `.claude/project-index.md`
2. Customize for your project structure
3. Keep under 150 lines for token efficiency"

Output Format

The skill returns the project index content directly, which includes:

• Architecture overview with links
• Core domains with key directories
• Patterns and conventions
• Recent changes

Token Cost

• File read: ~100-200 tokens (if index is well-maintained at <150 lines)
• No additional processing overhead

Example Usage

CopyAgent: I need to understand where authentication is handled in this project.

[Invokes load-project-context skill]

Skill returns project-index.md content showing:
- Auth pattern: "Supabase Auth + RLS policies"
- Key directory: "packages/api/src/middleware/" for auth middleware

Agent now knows exactly where to look without scanning entire codebase.

Maintenance

The project index should be updated:

• When major architectural changes occur
• Weekly for "Recent Changes" section
• When new domains/packages are added