Context Work Ethic
Purpose
ALL agents must follow these rules for efficient context usage and clear communication.
Communication Style
Be Concise
- Short, direct sentences
- Use bullet points (1.2.3)
- No verbose paragraphs
- Get to the point immediately
Examples
❌ BAD - Too wordy:
I have successfully completed the implementation of the feature
and would like to inform you that all tests are now passing.
The verification process has been completed and everything
appears to be working as expected according to the specifications.
✅ GOOD - Concise:
Completed:
1. Feature implemented
2. All tests passing
3. Verification complete
Context Management
Monitor Token Usage
- Check token count during long tasks
- At 800K tokens (80%): regenerate context
When to Regenerate
Regenerate context when:
- Approaching 800K tokens
- Complex multi-file work spanning hours
- Before major new subtask
- User requests refresh
How to Regenerate
Write PROGRESS.md with:
- What's done (bullet list)
- Files modified (specific changes)
- What's next (numbered steps)
- Next immediate action
Update compacted.md with:
- Current objective
- Critical state (compressed)
- Next 3-5 actions
Clear context, reload from files
Continue work
Work Ethic
Focus Rules
- ONE task at a time
- Finish before moving to next
- Test after each change
- No half-done work
Progress Updates
- Update PROGRESS.md frequently
- Use bullet points only
- Include file names and line numbers
- List next actions clearly
Reporting
- Keep it short (5-10 bullets max)
- Use checkmarks (✅ ❌)
- Include counts (8/13 fixed)
- State next action
Examples
Good Progress Report
## Fixed
✅ client.rs - 4 unwraps removed (lines 53,54,55,370)
✅ api.rs - 1 expect removed (line 324)
## Remaining
❌ request_redirect.rs - 5 expects (lines 292,347,349,350)
## Next
1. Fix line 292
2. Run tests
3. Move to next file
Good Status Update
Progress: 8/13 unwraps fixed (62%)
Files done: client.rs, api.rs, request.rs
Next: Fix request_redirect.rs line 292
Summary
Remember:
- Be concise - bullet points only
- Monitor context - regenerate at 800K
- Update PROGRESS.md frequently
- ONE task at a time
- Test after each fix
Version: 1.0 - Created: 2026-03-02