What is a context packet?

A context packet is the working set an AI coding agent should see before it changes code. It is smaller than the whole repo, more current than a long chat history, and more inspectable than hidden prompt assembly.

What belongs in the packet?

• Changed files and affected neighbors.
• Relevant spec sections, tasks, acceptance criteria, and repo instructions.
• Nearby tests and missing-test warnings.
• Excluded files with reasons.
• Risk, budget pressure, redaction, and token-savings metadata.

Why it helps

When an agent makes a poor change, the question is often not whether the model is capable. It is whether the model saw the right files, current requirements, and relevant tests. A packet makes that visible.