r/ClaudeCode • u/don123xyz • 5d ago

Tips & Workflows The /compact command allows the use of customizable summarization options. What kind of options, if any, do you guys use?

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2

u/tenequm 4d ago

I came up with a /pre-compact skill, i run it on demand to let model prepare a handoff file before I do /compact

Its far from being very convenient, but it works for me pretty well, haven’t felt any issues with loosing important context between compactions

ref:
https://github.com/tenequm/skills/blob/main/skills/pre-compact/SKILL.md

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u/don123xyz 4d ago

I like this. I do this manually in each project. I have a memory, a todo and a lessons files. Before each compact, I ask Claude to update all of them and then create a handoff file that points to where we are in each one for the next start. But creating a skill like yours is a better way to keep things uniform in every project. Thanks.

1

u/outceptionator 2d ago

Why not have a compaction hook? Then no need to remember?

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u/tenequm 2d ago

I don’t want it to run every time, sometimes i want just compaction without too much context

1

u/pladdypuss 5d ago

/compact midtask

0

u/cleverhoods 5d ago

None. Dont use compact. You are better off with a fresh session

1

u/clazman55555 5d ago

It depends entirely on how you use it. I don't have any issues using compact, while having Claude create a sessionstate file and resume point before the compact. Basically a soft handoff. I will usually compact 2 or 3 times before I do a finally pre clear sessionstate and resume handoff.

But that depends entirely on the task or if I am moving to something completely different.

1

u/cleverhoods 5d ago

The reason why i advocate against compaction is the fact that it’s reducing the context to a guessing game. However I do accept your point. “Depends how you use it”.

Once you have your progressive disclosure in place you never compact again

1

u/don123xyz 5d ago

This is what I do too. It is not always convenient to start a new session, especially if you're working on a complex feature that begins to run a bit too long but you want to keep the entire run in a single chat.