Context Checkpoint
checkpoint
Save context state - auto-triggered every 5 tasks
SKILL.md
Full skill instructions
Context Checkpoint
Save critical context before /clear. Enables 50-70% token savings.
When to Checkpoint
- Every 3 tasks (aggressive - preserves tokens)
- Before switching feature areas
- After resolving complex bugs
- When response feels slow (context bloat sign)
Checkpoint Format
Write to .claude/checkpoint.md:
# Checkpoint: [TIMESTAMP]
## Sprint Status
[Sprint X: N/M complete]
## Completed This Session
- [Task]: [what was done]
## Key Learnings
- [Bug pattern]: [resolution]
## Next Priority
[Next task ID and title]
## Files Modified
- [file paths]
After Saving
Tell user:
💾 Checkpoint saved.
Run /compact now to reclaim ~40% tokens (keeps context summary).
Use /clear only at major transitions (reclaims ~70% but wipes context).
Auto-Restore
After /clear, read .claude/checkpoint.md and continue.
What to Preserve
| Keep | Skip |
|---|---|
| Task progress | File contents |
| Learnings | Error traces |
| Next priority | Tool call logs |
Token Savings
| Command | Savings | Use When |
|---|---|---|
/compact | ~40% | Default after checkpoint |
/clear | ~70% | Major transitions, sprint end |
Rule: /compact after every checkpoint. /clear at major transitions.