git:20260929.6fd92de to git:20261007.786da48

5 added, 4 removed. Audit A to A.

---

name: memory-first

- description: "Lookup chain enforced before any file read or search: project memory, grep/glob, targeted read — stop at the first step that answers"

+ description: "Lookup chain enforced before any file read or search: project and global memory, grep/glob, targeted read — stop at the first step that answers"

type: skill

---

# Memory-First Protocol

Follow this lookup chain in strict order before reading any file, running any search, or spawning any tool. Stop at the first step that answers the question.

## Chain

- ### 1. Project Memory

- Check `.claude/memory/project.md`.

+ ### 1. Memory

+ Check `.claude/memory/project.md` (project) and `~/.claude/memory/personal.md` (global preferences).

- Use the Grep tool to check project.md first:

+ Use the Grep tool on both files:

```

Grep pattern="<keyword>" path=".claude/memory/project.md"

+ Grep pattern="<keyword>" path="~/.claude/memory/personal.md"

```

If Grep returns matches, use that information and stop. If no matches, proceed to step 2.

### 2. Grep / Glob

For pattern searches, use the `Grep` or `Glob` tools inline. Never read a full file to find a pattern.

### 3. Targeted Read

Last resort. Only when steps 1–2 cannot answer.

- Always specify `offset` and `limit`.

- Max 150 lines per call.

- Know approximately which lines to read before calling.

The `pre-tool-use` hook blocks `Read` calls on files >150 lines with no explicit `limit`. If blocked, return to step 1.