---
phase: 01-foundation-templates
plan: 02
subsystem: templates
tags: [session-management, bootloader, summary, gtd-integration, protocol-enforcement]
type: execute
status: complete

requires:
  - phase-00-gsd-pattern-analysis
  - 01-01-core-templates

provides:
  - session-initialization-protocol
  - session-export-format
  - template-directory-navigation
  - sticky-note-enforcement

affects:
  - phase-02-session-handoff (will use BOOTLOADER and SUMMARY patterns)
  - phase-03-context-engineering (will reference CONTEXT patterns)
  - phase-04-educational-integration (will extend template examples)

tech-stack:
  added: []
  patterns:
    - sticky-note-protocol-enforcement
    - dual-workflow-support-mcp-copypaste
    - gtd-export-mapping

key-files:
  created:
    - .planning/templates/BOOTLOADER_TEMPLATE.md
    - .planning/templates/SUMMARY_TEMPLATE.md
    - .planning/templates/README.md
  modified: []

decisions:
  - id: STICKY_NOTE_FREQUENCY
    choice: "Include sticky note when artifact updated OR actions changed, omit when nothing changed"
    rationale: "Balance protocol enforcement with visual fatigue"
    context: "BOOTLOADER protocol checklist"

  - id: DUAL_WORKFLOW_INSTRUCTIONS
    choice: "Provide both MCP and copy-paste instructions in every template"
    rationale: "Vendor-agnostic protocol works across all agent types"
    context: "BOOTLOADER session initialization"

  - id: GTD_EXPORT_MAPPING
    choice: "Closed loops → achievements, Open loops → next actions, Clarifying loops → waiting for"
    rationale: "Maps ephemeral session memory to permanent GTD system"
    context: "SUMMARY template structure"

  - id: TEMPLATE_EDUCATIONAL_STYLE
    choice: "Inline educational comments throughout, not dumped at end"
    rationale: "Front-loads learning, explains 'why' in context"
    context: "All three templates"

metrics:
  duration: 7 minutes 43 seconds
  completed: 2026-01-21
---

# Phase 1 Plan 02: Session Management Templates Summary

**One-liner**: Created session initialization (BOOTLOADER with sticky note protocol), session export (SUMMARY with GTD mapping), and template directory navigation (README), completing the template foundation for vendor-agnostic copilot workflows.

## Overview

Plan 01-02 delivered the session management templates that activate and export the protocol. BOOTLOADER initializes sessions and enforces protocol compliance through end-of-turn sticky notes. SUMMARY exports ephemeral working memory (loops + context decisions) to GTD systems. README provides template directory navigation and quick-start workflow guidance.

**Context**: Plan 01-01 created core templates (LOOPS, CONTEXT, STATE) that define artifact structure. Plan 01-02 completes the foundation by adding session lifecycle management (initialization and export) and user navigation (README entry point).

## What Was Built

### BOOTLOADER_TEMPLATE.md (352 lines)

**Purpose**: Session initialization and protocol enforcement

**Key sections**:
1. **Session initialization protocol**: Check for existing artifacts (resume) or create new (initialize), dual instructions for MCP vs copy-paste workflows
2. **Sticky note template**: End-of-turn ```gsd-status fenced block with UPDATED, CURRENT STATE, AVAILABLE ACTIONS, NEXT fields - this is the core protocol enforcement mechanism
3. **Protocol checklist**: Agent self-reminder embedded in sticky note behavior (update STATE after every turn, propose loops, show checkpoints, track budget)
4. **Artifact references**: Cross-links to LOOPS_TEMPLATE, CONTEXT_TEMPLATE, STATE_TEMPLATE with when-to-use guidance
5. **Recovery from drift**: User trigger ("update artifacts") resets protocol compliance if agent degrades mid-session
6. **Educational comments**: Why sticky notes prevent drift (agents can't dynamically reference long bootloader), why dual instructions (vendor agnostic), why token budget tracking (prevents context overload)
7. **Example session**: 3-turn workflow showing sticky note progression (initialization → loop capture → work continues)

**Why this matters**: Solves "protocol drift" problem where agents start following procedures but degrade after 10+ turns. Sticky note embeds protocol reminder at every turn, maintaining compliance throughout session.

**Technical decisions**:
- Sticky note placement: End of response only (doesn't interrupt reading)
- Frequency: Include when artifact updated OR actions changed (balance enforcement vs fatigue)
- Format: Fenced code block with ```gsd-status marker (parseable, visible, predictable)

### SUMMARY_TEMPLATE.md (709 lines)

**Purpose**: Session export for GTD integration and learning capture

**Key sections**:
1. **Session metadata**: Date, duration, phase/task, token budget peak, artifacts created (performance tracking)
2. **Loops captured**: All loops with status (closed/open/clarifying) and outcomes - maps directly to GTD export
3. **Context decisions**: What was loaded (files + token counts), what was excluded (patterns + rationale), why it worked
4. **Artifacts created**: Files written during session with descriptions
5. **Checkpoints reached**: Decision points, approvals, verifications (audit trail)
6. **Next session prep**: What to load, what to skip, where to resume (eliminates 15-30 min reconstruction)
7. **GTD export format**: Closed → achievements, Open → next actions, Clarifying → waiting for (TickTick-compatible)
8. **Learning capture**: What I learned section (patterns discovered, mistakes avoided, context strategies)
9. **Two realistic examples**: dbt refactor session (200+ model lineage, 84% budget peak), test debugging session (narrow scope, 36% budget)

**Why this matters**: Solves "context reconstruction" problem where resuming work after 3 days requires 15-30 min to rebuild what you were doing. SUMMARY exports durable insights (decisions, patterns, open questions) while leaving ephemeral details (chat transcript, debugging steps) behind.

**Technical decisions**:
- Loop status mapping: Closed/open/clarifying → achievements/next actions/waiting for (GTD processing)
- Context decisions structure: Loaded + excluded + why it worked (learning library for future sessions)
- Example realism: dbt refactor at 84% budget (warning phase) vs test debugging at 36% (comfortable) - shows different task patterns

### README.md (463 lines)

**Purpose**: Template directory navigation and entry point for users

**Key sections**:
1. **Quick start**: 3-step workflow (initialize with BOOTLOADER → work with LOOPS/CONTEXT/STATE → export with SUMMARY)
2. **Template index**: All 5 templates with purpose, when-to-use, what-it-does, key sections (comprehensive navigation)
3. **Workflow diagram**: ASCII visualization showing template relationships during session lifecycle
4. **File locations**: Templates (read-only reference) vs session artifacts (working files) vs project context (stable state)
5. **Phase context**: Phase 1 status, what's coming in Phases 2-4 (session handoff, context engineering, validation)
6. **Educational philosophy**: Learn by doing, vendor agnostic (MCP + copy-paste), self-documenting templates
7. **Common questions**: MCP requirements, visual fatigue, recovery from drift, token budget monitoring
8. **Troubleshooting**: Agent doesn't include sticky notes, token budget hits 80%+, loops get lost, session reconstruction takes too long

**Why this matters**: Entry point for users - can read README and understand full workflow without external documentation. Supports 30-minute onboarding goal (colleague can read README → run test session → understand system).

**Technical decisions**:
- Template index clarity: Each template gets purpose, when-to-use, what-it-does (not just filename list)
- Workflow diagram: Visual representation of session lifecycle (initialization → work → export)
- Phase transparency: Acknowledge LOOPS/CONTEXT/STATE templates exist (from 01-01) but not yet tested together

## Deviations from Plan

### Auto-fixed Issues

**1. [Rule 2 - Missing Critical] Acknowledged Plan 01-01 completion in README**

- **Found during**: Task 3 (creating README)
- **Issue**: Plan 01-02 assumes LOOPS/CONTEXT/STATE templates don't exist yet (references them as "pending"), but git history shows Plan 01-01 was completed and those templates exist
- **Fix**: Updated README template index to acknowledge templates exist while noting they're referenced but not yet tested together
- **Files modified**: README.md (template index sections for LOOPS/CONTEXT/STATE)
- **Commit**: 2527cd8 (part of Task 3 commit)
- **Rationale**: README must reflect actual state of templates directory - claiming templates "don't exist yet" when they're present would confuse users

## Test Results

### Verification Checks

All plan verification criteria met:

1. ✅ **Directory structure**: `.planning/templates/` has 6 files (5 templates + README)
2. ✅ **BOOTLOADER_TEMPLATE.md**:
   - Contains sticky note template with ```gsd-status marker (6 instances found)
   - Contains protocol checklist
   - Contains dual instructions (MCP and copy-paste)
   - Contains recovery protocol ("update artifacts" trigger)
   - Contains example session (3 responses with sticky notes)
   - Contains cross-references (13 references to LOOPS/CONTEXT/STATE templates)
3. ✅ **SUMMARY_TEMPLATE.md**:
   - Contains session metadata section
   - Contains loops captured section (3 instances)
   - Contains context decisions section (4 instances)
   - Contains GTD export format structure (20 GTD references)
   - Contains 2 example SUMMARY files (dbt refactor, test debugging)
   - Contains learning capture section
4. ✅ **README.md**:
   - Contains quick start 3-step workflow
   - Contains template index (20 subsections covering all 5 templates)
   - Contains workflow diagram (ASCII visualization)
   - Contains file location guidance
   - Contains phase context
5. ✅ **Cross-references**: BOOTLOADER links to LOOPS/CONTEXT/STATE templates in artifact references section
6. ✅ **Educational value**: All templates have inline comments explaining WHY (protocol mechanics, data engineering patterns)

### Success Criteria Validation

Plan success criteria verification:

- ✅ **User can start session with BOOTLOADER without external docs**: Template includes session initialization protocol with clear MCP and copy-paste instructions
- ✅ **Agent can follow protocol via sticky note template**: ```gsd-status template is copy-pasteable, predictable structure, embedded in every response
- ✅ **User can export session with SUMMARY to TickTick**: GTD export format maps loops to achievements/next actions/waiting for with clear structure
- ✅ **User can navigate templates/ directory via README**: Template index with purpose/when-to-use for all 5 templates, quick start workflow, file locations
- ✅ **Templates work in both MCP and copy-paste workflows**: Dual instructions provided in BOOTLOADER initialization protocol, explicitly vendor-agnostic

## Key Files

### Created (3 templates)

**`.planning/templates/BOOTLOADER_TEMPLATE.md`** (352 lines):
- Session initialization protocol (resume existing or start fresh)
- Sticky note template for protocol enforcement (core mechanism)
- Protocol checklist (agent compliance reminder)
- Recovery from drift ("update artifacts" trigger)
- Example session (3-turn workflow)
- Cross-references to LOOPS/CONTEXT/STATE templates

**`.planning/templates/SUMMARY_TEMPLATE.md`** (709 lines):
- Session metadata structure
- Loops captured with status (closed/open/clarifying)
- Context decisions (loaded/excluded/rationale)
- GTD export format (achievements/next actions/waiting for)
- Learning capture section
- 2 realistic examples (dbt refactor 84% budget, test debugging 36% budget)
- Next session prep (eliminates reconstruction)

**`.planning/templates/README.md`** (463 lines):
- Quick start 3-step workflow
- Template index (all 5 templates)
- Workflow diagram (session lifecycle visualization)
- File locations (templates vs artifacts vs project context)
- Phase context (Phase 1 status, Phases 2-4 preview)
- Educational philosophy (learn by doing, vendor agnostic)
- Common questions and troubleshooting

### Template Foundation Complete (6 files total)

With Plan 01-02 complete, full template foundation now exists:
1. **LOOPS_TEMPLATE.md** (from 01-01): Loop capture format, status lifecycle
2. **CONTEXT_TEMPLATE.md** (from 01-01): Token budget tracking, scoping patterns
3. **STATE_TEMPLATE.md** (from 01-01): Session working memory structure
4. **BOOTLOADER_TEMPLATE.md** (from 01-02): Session initialization, protocol enforcement
5. **SUMMARY_TEMPLATE.md** (from 01-02): Session export, GTD integration
6. **README.md** (from 01-02): Template navigation, quick start

Phase 1 templates foundation is COMPLETE and ready for protocol documentation (Plan 01-03) and human verification (Plan 01-04).

## Performance Metrics

**Duration**: 7 minutes 43 seconds

**Breakdown**:
- Task 1 (BOOTLOADER): ~3 minutes (352 lines, complex protocol content)
- Task 2 (SUMMARY): ~3 minutes (709 lines, 2 detailed examples)
- Task 3 (README): ~1.5 minutes (463 lines, index + navigation)

**Efficiency notes**:
- No blocking issues encountered (all context available, decisions clear from 01-CONTEXT.md)
- Plan 01-01 completion discovered during Task 3 (git history check) - minimal impact, updated README accordingly
- Template structure pattern established (YAML frontmatter → purpose → content → educational comments → summary) enabled rapid creation

## Dependencies

### Required By This Plan

**Phase 0: GSD Pattern Analysis** (Quick 001):
- Sticky note protocol pattern from GSD_PATTERNS.md Pattern 4
- XML structure guidance from GSD reference
- Conservative token budgets (20/40/50% adaptation from 30/50/70%)

**Plan 01-01: Core Templates**:
- LOOPS_TEMPLATE.md (referenced by BOOTLOADER)
- CONTEXT_TEMPLATE.md (referenced by BOOTLOADER)
- STATE_TEMPLATE.md (referenced by BOOTLOADER)
- Cross-references needed for template relationships

**Phase 1 Context** (01-CONTEXT.md):
- Sticky note format decisions (fenced block, end placement, frequency)
- Systematic ID coding decisions (TYPE-NNN format)
- Checkpoint visibility decisions (emoji banners)
- Available actions menu decisions (slash commands)

**Phase 1 Research** (01-RESEARCH.md):
- Sticky note protocol pattern analysis
- Visual checkpoint barrier patterns
- XML semantic elements in markdown
- Context drift prevention strategies

### Enables Future Work

**Plan 01-03: Protocol Documentation**:
- PROTOCOL_REFERENCE.md can reference BOOTLOADER sticky note template
- AGENTS.md can point to README for workflow overview

**Plan 01-04: Human Verification**:
- All templates complete and ready for user testing
- Can verify template clarity, actionability, educational value

**Phase 2: Session Handoff System**:
- BOOTLOADER initialization protocol extends to session pause/resume
- SUMMARY "Next Session Prep" section becomes handoff mechanism
- Loop import from GTD uses SUMMARY export format

**Phase 3: Context Engineering Patterns**:
- CONTEXT_TEMPLATE token budget patterns get domain-specific examples
- SUMMARY context decisions section becomes learning library

**Phase 4: Educational Integration & Validation**:
- README 30-minute onboarding guide gets real-world testing
- SUMMARY examples (dbt refactor, test debugging) validate on actual work

## Next Phase Readiness

**Plan 01-03 (Protocol Documentation)**: READY
- All templates exist and cross-reference correctly
- Protocol patterns established (sticky note, checkpoints, actions menu)
- Can document protocol comprehensively with working examples

**Plan 01-04 (Human Verification)**: READY
- Full template foundation complete (6 files)
- README provides entry point for user testing
- Can verify templates work end-to-end (initialize → work → export)

**Phase 2 (Session Handoff System)**: BLOCKED - Needs Phase 1 completion
- Plans 01-03 and 01-04 must complete first
- Session handoff extends BOOTLOADER/SUMMARY patterns established here

**Concerns/Blockers**: None. Template foundation is complete and coherent.

## Decisions Made

### STICKY_NOTE_FREQUENCY
**Decision**: Include sticky note when artifact updated OR actions changed, omit when nothing changed

**Rationale**: Balance protocol enforcement with visual fatigue. Every-turn creates noise, only-on-change loses visibility. Conditional inclusion maintains compliance without overwhelming user.

**Context**: BOOTLOADER protocol checklist section, informed by gsd_lite testing (agent degraded without reminders) and concern about visual overhead

**Implementation**: BOOTLOADER template specifies when to include (✅) and when to skip (❌) with explicit criteria

---

### DUAL_WORKFLOW_INSTRUCTIONS
**Decision**: Provide both MCP and copy-paste instructions in every template

**Rationale**: Vendor-agnostic protocol must work across all agent types. MCP-capable agents (Claude Desktop, Claude Code, Cursor) get direct file access. Copy-paste environments (ChatGPT web, Gemini web) get manual instructions. Same template works everywhere.

**Context**: BOOTLOADER session initialization protocol, informed by requirement for vendor-agnostic patterns

**Implementation**: "If you have file access (MCP):" and "If copy-paste workflow:" dual sections in BOOTLOADER

---

### GTD_EXPORT_MAPPING
**Decision**: Closed loops → achievements, Open loops → next actions, Clarifying loops → waiting for

**Rationale**: Maps ephemeral session memory to permanent GTD system. Loop status aligns with GTD workflow: closed = done (log accomplishment), open = actionable (create task), clarifying = blocked (track dependency).

**Context**: SUMMARY template GTD export format section, informed by user's existing GTD practice with TickTick

**Implementation**: SUMMARY includes explicit mapping with TickTick-compatible structure examples

---

### TEMPLATE_EDUCATIONAL_STYLE
**Decision**: Inline educational comments throughout, not dumped at end

**Rationale**: Front-loads learning - user knows immediately if they're in the right place. Educational comments explain "why" in context (e.g., why sticky note format right after showing template). Supports learning GSD mechanics while using system.

**Context**: All three templates (BOOTLOADER, SUMMARY, README), informed by META-01 requirement for heavily-commented templates

**Implementation**: Every major section has "Why this matters" or "Educational note" explaining rationale, not just "what to do"

## Lessons Learned

### Template Structure Pattern Discovered

**Pattern established**:
1. YAML frontmatter (version, purpose, date)
2. Purpose section (what, why, when)
3. Core content sections (protocol, structure, examples)
4. Educational comments (why this matters) threaded throughout
5. Summary (what's included, what's not)

**Why this works**: Front-loads purpose so user knows immediately if they're in the right place. Educational comments explain "why" in context, not dumped at end. Summary clarifies boundaries (what's NOT in this template).

**Reuse**: This pattern should be applied to any future templates (Phase 2 handoff templates, Phase 3 context patterns). Established convention makes templates feel consistent.

---

### Dual Workflow Critical for Vendor Agnosticism

**Discovery**: Plan required "dual instructions" but unclear how important until writing BOOTLOADER. Realizing MCP-only instructions would break for 50%+ of users (ChatGPT web, Gemini web) made dual-path essential, not optional.

**Impact**: Every template that touches files must provide both MCP and copy-paste paths. Can't assume file access. Protocol must work with lowest common denominator (markdown files user can paste).

**Future application**: Phase 2 session handoff must support both "agent writes handoff file" and "agent shows handoff content, user saves manually". Phase 3 context patterns must work without MCP tools for file analysis.

---

### Example Realism Matters

**Discovery**: SUMMARY template initially had generic examples ("Session 1: Did some work"). Realized examples must be realistic (dbt refactor with 84% budget, test debugging with 36% budget) to teach patterns.

**Why realism matters**: Generic examples don't teach context scoping strategies. Real examples show: "Lineage tasks hit high budget, debugging stays comfortable, here's how to tell the difference."

**Future application**: Phase 3 context engineering templates need real examples (actual dbt lineage scenarios, actual test debugging workflows), not placeholder "Example 1/2/3". Examples are teaching tools, not just illustrations.

---

### Template Cross-references Create Navigation

**Discovery**: BOOTLOADER cross-references to LOOPS/CONTEXT/STATE created natural navigation pattern. User reads BOOTLOADER → sees LOOPS_TEMPLATE reference → knows where to go for loop format details.

**Pattern**: Templates shouldn't duplicate content (BOOTLOADER doesn't redefine loop format, points to LOOPS_TEMPLATE). Cross-references create single source of truth per concept.

**Future application**: Protocol documentation (Plan 01-03) can reference templates for detailed examples instead of repeating content. Avoids documentation drift (change template → must update protocol doc).

---

### Token Budget Examples Need Task Type Variation

**Discovery**: SUMMARY examples show 84% (dbt refactor) and 36% (test debugging). Contrast teaches: "Different tasks have different context needs."

**Pattern**: Lineage analysis = wide context, high budget (comfortable with 80%+). Debugging = narrow context, low budget (rarely >40%). Refactoring = medium context, grows during work.

**Future application**: Phase 3 context engineering must document task-type-specific budget patterns. Can't give single threshold that works for everything. Templates need task type taxonomy with typical budget ranges.

## Recommendations

### For Plan 01-03 (Protocol Documentation)

**Recommendation**: PROTOCOL_REFERENCE.md should be implementation-agnostic reference, not tutorial. README already provides workflow tutorial. PROTOCOL_REFERENCE is for "why does this work?" reference reading.

**Rationale**: Two audiences - README serves "I want to get started" (tutorial), PROTOCOL_REFERENCE serves "I want to understand the system" (conceptual). Don't duplicate.

---

### For Plan 01-04 (Human Verification)

**Recommendation**: Test end-to-end workflow with fresh user (not template author). Verification criteria: Can user initialize session → capture loop → update budget → export summary WITHOUT asking questions?

**Rationale**: Template author knows implicit context. Fresh user reveals gaps ("Where do I paste this?", "What's MCP?", "How do I know budget phase?"). Test with colleague if possible.

---

### For Phase 2 (Session Handoff)

**Recommendation**: BOOTLOADER already has session initialization (resume existing artifacts). Extend this for cross-session handoff - don't create separate handoff template. Session resume = single-session continuity, handoff = cross-session continuity, same pattern.

**Rationale**: Reduces concepts. User learns one pattern (check for artifacts → load if present → initialize if not), works for both "resume after break" and "resume next day".

---

### For Phase 3 (Context Engineering)

**Recommendation**: Create task type taxonomy FIRST (lineage analysis, test debugging, model refactoring, pipeline development, etc.), THEN document budget patterns per type. Don't try to create universal "context engineering guide."

**Rationale**: Different tasks have fundamentally different context needs. Lineage = wide but shallow, debugging = narrow but deep, refactoring = starts narrow, grows during work. Task type determines strategy.

## Open Questions

**Q1: Sticky note visual fatigue threshold - does every-turn help or hinder?**
- **Status**: Open (captured as LOOP-003 in gsd_lite testing)
- **Next step**: Phase 2 testing with real sessions, gather user feedback
- **Impact**: May need to adjust BOOTLOADER "when to include" criteria based on actual fatigue data

**Q2: Do AGENTS.md-aware platforms actually read .planning/AGENTS.md?**
- **Status**: Clarifying (LOOP-004 from gsd_lite)
- **Next step**: User to test with ChatGPT web, Gemini web, report back
- **Impact**: If platforms don't support, AGENTS.md becomes reference doc only (not runtime configuration)

**Q3: Should SUMMARY examples include failed sessions (hit 90% budget, abandoned task)?**
- **Status**: Open (discovered during Task 2)
- **Current state**: Both examples show successful sessions (84% manageable, 36% comfortable)
- **Consideration**: Failed session example would teach "what NOT to do" (warning signs, recovery strategies)
- **Decision needed**: Phase 4 validation - if users hit failure patterns, document them

**Q4: README quick start - should it include example commands (actual git clone, file paths)?**
- **Status**: Open (discovered during Task 3)
- **Current state**: README shows conceptual workflow ("Copy BOOTLOADER_TEMPLATE.md"), not exact commands
- **Consideration**: Exact commands reduce ambiguity but may not match all environments
- **Decision needed**: Phase 4 onboarding testing - does user need more specificity?

## Summary

Plan 01-02 completed the template foundation by delivering session management templates: BOOTLOADER (initialization and protocol enforcement), SUMMARY (export to GTD), and README (navigation and quick start). All three tasks completed in 7m 43s with no blocking issues.

**Key deliverables**:
- BOOTLOADER sticky note protocol enforces agent compliance throughout session
- SUMMARY GTD export maps ephemeral working memory to permanent task system
- README provides entry point and 30-minute onboarding pathway
- Template structure pattern established (YAML → purpose → content → educational comments → summary)
- Dual workflow support (MCP + copy-paste) ensures vendor agnosticism

**Phase 1 status**: Template foundation COMPLETE (6 files). Ready for protocol documentation (01-03) and human verification (01-04).

**No blockers for Phase 2**. Session handoff system can extend BOOTLOADER/SUMMARY patterns established here.

---

*Summary created: 2026-01-21*
*Plan duration: 7 minutes 43 seconds*
*Tasks completed: 3/3*
