Handoff

Compress the current session into a disposable markdown file so a fresh agent can continue without inheriting a bloated context window.

When to use handoff vs compact

Situation	Prefer
Same session, same goal — context is huge but work continues in place	Harness compact (summarize in-place)
Side task, refactor, bug, or prototype out of scope for this session	Handoff to a new session
Different agent or tool for the next step	Handoff (markdown is portable)
Prototype or spike, then return learnings to the planner session	Handoff out and handoff back (see patterns.md)

Handoff keeps the current session pure; compact keeps one long session going.

Before writing

The user (or skill arguments) should state why you are handing off and what the next session will do. Without that focus, the document will be vague. If missing, ask briefly or infer from the latest user message.