# Checkpoint Compact

> Use when checkpointing or preparing /compact at workflow boundaries.

- Skill: `cyz26/checkpoint-compact` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add cyz26/checkpoint-compact`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/cyz26/checkpoint-compact/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Productivity
- Author: cYz26 (https://skillmd.com/u/cyz26)
- Updated: 2026-09-21
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/cyz26/checkpoint-compact

---


# Checkpoint Compact Gate

Use after durable context is written at a major boundary. Compact protects
recoverability; it should not interrupt otherwise-continuable work solely to ask
for manual `/compact`.

A phase label does not prove terminality. Review, verification, handoff,
new-thread, blank, and placeholder next-stage values continue by default. Use
an explicit no-continuation option only for a real overall stopping point. When
approved work remains, the outcome is `CHECKPOINT_AND_CONTINUE`, not a request
for phase confirmation.

## Procedure

1. Read `AGENTS.md`, `.planning/devflow/STATE.md`, the active OpenSpec change,
   and its execution ledger.
2. Run `scripts/create_checkpoint.py --repo <repo> --boundary <boundary> --next-stage <stage> --json`.
3. Run `scripts/validate_checkpoint.py --repo <repo> --checkpoint <file> --json`.
4. Run `scripts/compact_recommendation.py --repo <repo> --boundary <boundary> --next-stage <stage> --json`.
5. If recommended, prefer `/compact` at a stable boundary. If the runtime can
   auto-compact or the task can continue safely from the checkpoint, continue
   and let PostCompact recovery record completion when it happens.
6. Return to `project-orchestrator` and execute the recorded next action; do not
   end the user request merely because the checkpoint was written.

PostCompact recovery records that compaction completed, then re-evaluates any
active implementation-readiness contract before product writes resume. A stale,
Required, or NotReady result blocks continuation with its exact remediation;
compact completion never repairs or authorizes readiness.

## Preconditions

Checkpoint only when durable context, next action or stopping-point intent,
risks, and verification are recorded. If checkpoint validation fails, block
continuation until the checkpoint is repaired.

## Status

`pending` means compact is recommended and recoverable; it is an advisory
continuation signal, not a default human-interruption gate. `not_needed` means
the checkpoint is durable and compact is unnecessary; it does not independently
declare overall completion. `failed` or `blocked` means the compact/checkpoint
gate needs action. Skills cannot execute interactive `/compact`.

