gpd-pause-work

Creates context handoff files preserving research state when pausing work mid-phase.

Updated Mar 18, 2026

Search Tags:#git #workflow #research #session management #handoff #context preservation #derivation state

Ready to run

npx skills add https://github.com/MichaelsEngineering/sentinel-multiscale-field-dynamics --skill gpd-pause-work-michaelsengineering

💬 Prompt for ChatGPT / Claude Chat▼

Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: gpd-pause-work
Source: https://github.com/MichaelsEngineering/sentinel-multiscale-field-dynamics/tree/main/.agents/skills/gpd-pause-work
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/MichaelsEngineering/sentinel-multiscale-field-dynamics --skill gpd-pause-work-michaelsengineering

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve? Pausing a multi-session research project risks losing derivation progress, parameter values, and intermediate results to context resets. This Skill captures the complete research state into a handoff file so a fresh session can resume without re-deriving prior work. ## Core Features & Use Cases - State Gathering: Detects the current phase from recently modified files and collects derivation state, parameter values, approximations, decisions, blockers, and open questions. - Persistent Derivation Log: Appends equations, conventions, and results to an append-only `.gpd/DERIVATION-STATE.md` with atomic pruning capped at five session blocks. - Handoff File Creation: Writes a structured `.continue-here.md` in the active phase directory, updates STATE.md to "Paused", and commits everything as a WIP git commit. - Use Case: A physicist pauses mid-way through a turbulence derivation at task 3 of 7; the Skill records all equations and parameters so the next session resumes at the exact step. ## Quick Start Ask the AI to pause the current research work and create a handoff file capturing the derivation state and next action.

Frequently Asked Questions about gpd-pause-work

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema

How do I pause a research session without losing context?▼

Invoke the pause-work workflow, which detects the current phase, gathers derivation state and parameter values, writes a .continue-here.md handoff file, and commits everything as a WIP git commit for later resumption.

What information goes into a research handoff file?▼

The handoff captures current position, derivation state, parameter values with units, intermediate results, active approximations, completed and remaining tasks, decisions made, open questions, blockers, and the specific next action.

How does the skill prevent losing equations across sessions?▼

It appends all equations, conventions, and results to an append-only .gpd/DERIVATION-STATE.md file before writing the ephemeral handoff. The file is pruned atomically to the five most recent session blocks, with older entries recoverable from git history.

Can I resume work after pausing with this workflow?▼

Yes, the Skill updates STATE.md with the pause point and resume file path, sets status to Paused, and prints resume instructions pointing to the companion resume-work workflow.

What happens if no active phase is detected when pausing?▼

The detection step looks for the most recently modified PLAN.md under .gpd/phases. If no active phase is found, the workflow asks the user which phase they are pausing work on before proceeding.