Start Operation

The start pattern is used to begin a new development session by validating the framework structure, loading the project context, and setting up the working environment.

Pattern Definition

# Start Operation Pattern
version: 1.0
command: start
description: Session initialization and context loading

# Operation Flow
flow:
  pre_checks:
    - framework_ready: {verify: framework_check, error: "Framework not ready"}
    - no_active_session: {verify: no_session_active, error: "Session already active"}
  
  steps:
    1_load_context:
      action: load_and_validate
      files:
        - ai_instructions: {path: "AI_INSTRUCTIONS.md", required: true}
        - current_state: {path: "current_state.md", required: true}
        - roadmap: {path: "roadmap.md", required: false}
      validate: [file_exists, state_consistency, integrity]
    
    2_process_context:
      action: build_context
      load:
        - current_state: [knowledge, progress, focus]
        - roadmap: [priorities, milestones]
        - tasks: {dir: "tasks/active", pattern: "*.md"}
        - sessions: {dir: "sessions", pattern: "recent*.md", limit: 5}
    
    3_set_focus:
      action: determine_focus
      analyze:
        - active_tasks: {priority: high, status: active}
        - current_priorities: {from: current_state}
        - recent_changes: {from: sessions, limit: 3}
        - open_questions: {from: current_state}
    
    4_present_summary:
      action: show_summary
      sections:
        semantic: [project_knowledge, patterns, decisions]
        procedural: [active_tasks, progress, blockers]
        working: [current_focus, priorities, needs]
        episodic: [recent_changes, decisions, events]
    
    5_indicate_ready:
      action: show_readiness
      display:
        - context: {loaded: true, validated: true}
        - actions: {available: true, validated: true}
        - warnings: {if_any: true}
        - status: "Ready for commands"

# Validation Rules
validation:
  context_load:
    required_files: [AI_INSTRUCTIONS.md, current_state.md]
    optional_files: [roadmap.md]
    check: [exists, readable, valid_format]
  
  state_consistency:
    verify: [memory_types, references, timestamps]
    resolve: [conflicts, missing_refs, invalid_states]
  
  task_status:
    check: [valid_status, active_count, priority_set]
    warn_if: [multiple_active, no_priority]

# Error Handling
errors:
  not_ready: 
    msg: "Framework not ready"
    action: show_setup_instructions
    help: "Copy .context directory to your project and ensure all required files exist"
  
  session_exists:
    msg: "Active session already exists"
    action: show_session
    help: "Save or close existing session"
  
  missing_files:
    msg: "Required files missing"
    action: list_missing
    help: "Ensure all required files exist"
  
  state_invalid:
    msg: "State consistency issues"
    action: show_issues
    help: "Fix state inconsistencies"

# Memory Processing
memory:
  load_order: [semantic, episodic, procedural, working]
  combinations:
    context_build: [semantic, working]
    task_focus: [procedural, working]
    history_check: [episodic, semantic]
  
  validation:
    types: [check_required, verify_combinations]
    content: [validate_format, check_references]
    state: [verify_consistency, resolve_conflicts]

Usage

The start pattern is used to:

1. Begin new development sessions

2. Load complete project context

3. Set current focus and priorities

4. Initialize working environment

5. Prepare command system

Process Steps

1. Framework Validation

   • Verify framework structure

   • Check for active sessions

   • Validate file requirements

   • Ensure state consistency

2. Context Loading

   • Load AI instructions

   • Process current state

   • Check active tasks

   • Review recent sessions

   • Load project roadmap

3. Focus Setting

   • Identify active tasks

   • Check priorities

   • Review recent changes

   • Note open questions

   • Set current focus

4. Summary Presentation

   • Show project knowledge

   • List active tasks

   • Display current focus

   • Note recent changes

   • Present next steps

Memory Integration

1. Load Order

   • Semantic: Project understanding

   • Episodic: Historical context

   • Procedural: Task workflows

   • Working: Current state

2. Memory Combinations

   • Context building

   • Task focusing

   • History checking

   • State validation

Error Recovery

1. Framework Not Ready

   Error: Framework not ready
   Action: Show setup instructions
   Help: Copy .context directory and verify files

2. Active Session

   Error: Session already exists
   Action: Show active session
   Help: Save or close existing session

3. Missing Files

   Error: Required files missing
   Action: List missing files
   Help: Create or restore required files

4. State Issues

   Error: State consistency issues
   Action: Show specific problems
   Help: Fix state inconsistencies

Integration

The start pattern integrates with:

1. Framework validation

2. Memory management

3. Task tracking

4. State handling

5. User interaction

Related Patterns

• Framework Check - Used for initial validation

• Status - Shows current state after start

• Task - Manages active tasks

• Context - Maintains working context