context-hygiene

Manage Claude Code context with three shields to prevent bloat.

4|1|Updated Apr 11, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/m2ai-portfolio/m2ai-skills-pack --skill context-hygiene-m2ai-portfolio
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: context-hygiene
Source: https://github.com/m2ai-portfolio/m2ai-skills-pack/tree/main/skills/context-hygiene
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/m2ai-portfolio/m2ai-skills-pack --skill context-hygiene-m2ai-portfolio

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Context bloat in Claude Code sessions leads to slower responses, degraded recall, and reduced effectiveness. This skill provides a simple, structured approach to manage and isolate context with three shields that help teams stay focused and performant.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Shield 1: /by-the-way for quick side-questions and lookups without polluting main context.
  • Shield 2: /fork for path exploration and branching without risking current progress.
  • Shield 3: context: fork to run heavy skills in isolated execution when needed.
  • Use Case: Maintain long-running agent conversations while performing iterative design or debugging tasks without context drift.

Quick Start

Enable context hygiene for this session by using /by-the-way for side questions, /fork to branch exploration, or add context: fork to run heavy skills in isolation.

Frequently Asked Questions about context-hygiene

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I prevent context bloat in Claude Code long-running sessions?▼

To prevent context bloat in Claude Code, apply context hygiene shields like /by-the-way for side-questions and /fork for path branching to isolate context and preserve session performance.

Can I ask side questions in Claude Code without polluting the main context?▼

Yes, you can ask side questions without polluting main context by using the /by-the-way shield, which isolates quick lookups and keeps the primary Claude Code conversation focused.

What is the best way to branch path exploration without losing current Claude Code progress?▼

The best way to branch path exploration without losing progress is using the /fork shield, which allows you to explore alternative paths in Claude Code while isolating the current context.

How do I run heavy skills in isolated execution during a Claude Code session?▼

Run heavy skills in isolated execution by adding context: fork, which separates resource-intensive operations from the main Claude Code session to prevent degraded recall and slow responses.

Why does Claude Code get slow and lose recall during multi-step tasks?▼

Claude Code gets slow and loses recall during multi-step tasks due to context bloat, where accumulated conversation data degrades performance; applying context hygiene isolates this data to maintain speed.

When should I apply a context budget guideline in Claude Code?▼

Apply a context budget guideline in Claude Code when you need to recover performance during long-running conversations, using it alongside isolation shields to manage accumulated context bloat.