# Start

> Start a work session. Reads project memory, presents current state, and asks what to work on.

- Skill: `torarnv/start` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add torarnv/start`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/torarnv/start/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: torarnv (https://skillmd.com/u/torarnv)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/torarnv/start

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# Session Start Skill

Resume work on a project that uses the `.claude/memory/` tracking structure.

## Workflow

### Step 1: Read current state

Read `.claude/memory/MEMORY.md`. It should already be @-imported in `.claude/CLAUDE.md`,
but read it explicitly to ensure you have the latest content and the full list of
available topic files.

Always read `status.md` next. Do NOT read other topic files yet.

### Step 2: Present a brief summary

Tell the user:
- What phase or task was last in progress
- What blockers exist (if any)
- What the next priorities are

Keep this to a few sentences — not a wall of text.

### Step 3: Ask what to work on

Use `AskUserQuestion` to ask what the user wants to focus on this session.
Offer the next priorities from `status.md` as options, plus a free-form option.

### Step 4: Load relevant context

Based on what the user picks, read topic files on demand:

- `spec.md` — if the work involves scope or goal questions
- `plan.md` — if the work involves planning or phase decisions
- `.claude/memory/features/<feature>/` — if working on a specific feature (project mode)
- `.claude/memory/tasks/<task>` file or directory — if working on a specific task
  (workspace mode)
- `decisions.md` — if the work involves architectural choices
- `lessons.md` and `tools.md` — if starting something where past lessons are relevant

Do NOT read all files speculatively. Only load what is relevant to the chosen work item.

### Step 5: Set up tasks

If the work item is implementation, use `TaskCreate` to decompose it into concrete
coding steps. Present the task breakdown for approval before starting.

If the work item is research, planning, or spec refinement, proceed conversationally.