compress

Compress markdown memory files into denser phrasing while preserving code, URLs, and headings.

1|1|Updated Jul 31, 2023
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/austinwilcox/dotfiles --skill compress-austinwilcox
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: compress
Source: https://github.com/austinwilcox/dotfiles/tree/main/.claude/skills/compress
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/austinwilcox/dotfiles --skill compress-austinwilcox

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill requires anthropic, subprocess, and includes scripts (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This Skill reduces input-token usage by transforming natural-language memory files into a shorter “caveman” format while preserving all technical substance.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Token-saving compression: Converts markdown/text prose (e.g., CLAUDE.md, todos, preferences) into denser phrasing.
  • Hard preservation guarantees: Keeps code blocks, inline code, URLs, headings, and structural elements intact.
  • Safety via validation + targeted fixes: Validates the compressed output and retries by applying only the listed issues (no full recompression).

Quick Start

Ask for compression with /caveman:compress <filepath> to overwrite the file and save a human-readable backup as <filename>.original.md.

Frequently Asked Questions about compress

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I reduce input token usage for my Claude markdown memory files?▼

To reduce input token usage, you can compress markdown memory files into a denser format that preserves technical content, structure, and references while cutting down natural-language prose.

How does markdown memory compression handle code blocks and URLs?▼

Markdown memory compression guarantees hard preservation of code blocks, inline code, URLs, and headings by never altering them during the token reduction process.

How do I compress a CLAUDE.md file without losing technical content?▼

You can compress a CLAUDE.md file by applying a caveman compression command to the filepath, which transforms natural language into denser phrasing while keeping all technical substance intact.

Is my original markdown file safe when using a token reduction tool?▼

Your original file remains safe during token reduction because the tool saves a human-readable backup as <filename>.original.md and only overwrites the original after passing validation guardrails.

What happens if markdown compression validation fails?▼

If markdown compression validation fails, the tool retries by applying targeted fixes to the listed issues rather than performing a full recompression of the entire file.

Can I use natural language compression for long-lived chat assistant preferences?▼

Yes, natural language compression is designed for workflows that maintain long-lived memory such as todos, preferences, and CLAUDE.md files for chat-based assistants.