Handoff

Handoff

Produce a transfer-ready handoff for in-progress work.

Invocation Notice

• Inform the user when this skill is being invoked by name: handoff.

Critical Constraints

• Assume the recipient can only see the handoff output and nothing else.
• Output one fully filled handoff payload in chat.
• Do not create a handoff file unless explicitly requested.
• Do not rely on references like "above" or "earlier in this thread".
• If information is missing, write Unknown and specify what is needed.

When to Use

• Handing off work to a new conversation or agent.
• Resetting context while preserving execution continuity.
• Transferring partially complete implementation/debugging work.
• Capturing next actions before ending a session.

When Not to Use

• Simple same-thread progress updates.
• Creating long-lived project documentation.
• Retrospectives not intended for immediate continuation.

Workflow

1. Extract the objective, success criteria, and current status from available context.
2. Collect concrete evidence: files touched, commands run, validation status, blockers, and risks.
3. Capture decisions with rationale so the recipient understands intent and tradeoffs.
4. Fill every section of assets/handoff-template.md.
5. Ensure next steps are ordered and step 1 is immediately executable.
6. Return the completed template in chat for copy/paste.

Output Rules

• Match the template section headings exactly.
• Keep statements specific and verifiable; avoid vague summaries.
• Include validation details (passed, failed, or not run).
• Include blockers with owner/dependency and concrete impact.

Quality Checklist

• The goal and definition of done are explicit.
• Done vs. pending work is unambiguous.
• Blockers include dependency/owner and impact.
• Validation status includes what passed, failed, or was skipped.
• The first next step can be executed immediately.
• The recipient can proceed without asking for missing context.

References

• assets/handoff-template.md - canonical output format.

Source & license

This open-source skill is cataloged on AgentStack and links to its original source — we do not rehost the code.

• Author: ahgraber
• Source: ahgraber/skills
• License: CC0-1.0

Install and usage instructions live in the source repository linked above.