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skills/mem-search/operations/by-concept.md

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+# Search by Concept
+
+Find observations tagged with specific concepts.
+
+## When to Use
+
+- User asks: "What discoveries did we make?"
+- User asks: "What patterns did we identify?"
+- User asks: "What gotchas did we encounter?"
+- Looking for observations with semantic tags
+
+## Command
+
+```bash
+curl -s "http://localhost:37777/api/search/by-concept?concept=discovery&format=index&limit=5"
+```
+
+## Parameters
+
+- **concept** (required): Concept tag to search for
+  - `discovery` - New discoveries and insights
+  - `problem-solution` - Problems and their solutions
+  - `what-changed` - Change descriptions
+  - `how-it-works` - Explanations of mechanisms
+  - `pattern` - Identified patterns
+  - `gotcha` - Edge cases and gotchas
+  - `change` - General changes
+- **format**: "index" (summary) or "full" (complete details). Default: "full"
+- **limit**: Number of results (default: 20, max: 100)
+- **project**: Filter by project name (optional)
+- **dateRange**: Filter by date range (optional)
+
+## When to Use Each Format
+
+**Use format=index for:**
+- Quick overviews of observations by concept
+- Finding IDs for deeper investigation
+- Listing multiple results
+- **Token cost: ~50-100 per result**
+
+**Use format=full for:**
+- Complete details including narrative, facts, files, concepts
+- Understanding the full context of specific observations
+- **Token cost: ~500-1000 per result**
+
+## Example Response (format=index)
+
+```json
+{
+  "concept": "discovery",
+  "count": 3,
+  "format": "index",
+  "results": [
+    {
+      "id": 1240,
+      "type": "discovery",
+      "title": "Worker service uses PM2 for process management",
+      "subtitle": "Discovered persistent background worker pattern",
+      "created_at_epoch": 1699564800000,
+      "project": "claude-mem",
+      "concepts": ["discovery", "how-it-works"]
+    }
+  ]
+}
+```
+
+## How to Present Results
+
+For format=index, present as a compact list:
+
+```markdown
+Found 3 observations tagged with "discovery":
+
+🔵 **#1240** Worker service uses PM2 for process management
+   > Discovered persistent background worker pattern
+   > Nov 9, 2024 • claude-mem
+   > Tags: discovery, how-it-works
+
+🔵 **#1241** FTS5 full-text search enables instant searches
+   > SQLite FTS5 virtual tables provide sub-100ms search
+   > Nov 9, 2024 • claude-mem
+   > Tags: discovery, pattern
+```
+
+For complete formatting guidelines, see [formatting.md](formatting.md).
+
+## Available Concepts
+
+| Concept | Description | When to Use |
+|---------|-------------|-------------|
+| `discovery` | New discoveries and insights | Finding what was learned |
+| `problem-solution` | Problems and their solutions | Finding how issues were resolved |
+| `what-changed` | Change descriptions | Understanding what changed |
+| `how-it-works` | Explanations of mechanisms | Learning how things work |
+| `pattern` | Identified patterns | Finding design patterns |
+| `gotcha` | Edge cases and gotchas | Learning about pitfalls |
+| `change` | General changes | Tracking modifications |
+
+## Error Handling
+
+**Missing concept parameter:**
+```json
+{"error": "Missing required parameter: concept"}
+```
+Fix: Add the concept parameter
+
+**Invalid concept:**
+```json
+{"error": "Invalid concept: foobar. Valid concepts: discovery, problem-solution, what-changed, how-it-works, pattern, gotcha, change"}
+```
+Fix: Use one of the valid concept values
+
+## Tips
+
+1. Use format=index first to see overview
+2. Start with limit=5-10 to avoid token overload
+3. Combine concepts with type filtering for precision
+4. Use `discovery` for learning what was found during investigation
+5. Use `problem-solution` for finding how past issues were resolved
+
+**Token Efficiency:**
+- Start with format=index (~50-100 tokens per result)
+- Use format=full only for relevant items (~500-1000 tokens per result)
+- See [../principles/progressive-disclosure.md](../principles/progressive-disclosure.md)

skills/mem-search/operations/by-file.md

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+# Search by File
+
+Find all work related to a specific file path.
+
+## When to Use
+
+- User asks: "What changes to auth/login.ts?"
+- User asks: "What work was done on this file?"
+- User asks: "Show me the history of src/services/worker.ts"
+- Looking for all observations that reference a file
+
+## Command
+
+```bash
+curl -s "http://localhost:37777/api/search/by-file?filePath=src/services/worker-service.ts&format=index&limit=10"
+```
+
+## Parameters
+
+- **filePath** (required): File path to search for (supports partial matching)
+  - Full path: `src/services/worker-service.ts`
+  - Partial path: `worker-service.ts`
+  - Directory: `src/hooks/`
+- **format**: "index" (summary) or "full" (complete details). Default: "full"
+- **limit**: Number of results (default: 20, max: 100)
+- **project**: Filter by project name (optional)
+- **dateRange**: Filter by date range (optional)
+
+## When to Use Each Format
+
+**Use format=index for:**
+- Quick overviews of work on a file
+- Finding IDs for deeper investigation
+- Listing multiple changes
+- **Token cost: ~50-100 per result**
+
+**Use format=full for:**
+- Complete details including narrative, facts, files, concepts
+- Understanding the full context of specific changes
+- **Token cost: ~500-1000 per result**
+
+## Example Response (format=index)
+
+```json
+{
+  "filePath": "src/services/worker-service.ts",
+  "count": 8,
+  "format": "index",
+  "results": [
+    {
+      "id": 1245,
+      "type": "refactor",
+      "title": "Simplified worker health check logic",
+      "subtitle": "Removed redundant PM2 status check",
+      "created_at_epoch": 1699564800000,
+      "project": "claude-mem",
+      "files": ["src/services/worker-service.ts", "src/services/worker-utils.ts"]
+    }
+  ]
+}
+```
+
+## How to Present Results
+
+For format=index, present as a compact list:
+
+```markdown
+Found 8 observations related to "src/services/worker-service.ts":
+
+🔄 **#1245** Simplified worker health check logic
+   > Removed redundant PM2 status check
+   > Nov 9, 2024 • claude-mem
+   > Files: worker-service.ts, worker-utils.ts
+
+🟣 **#1246** Added SSE endpoint for real-time updates
+   > Implemented Server-Sent Events for viewer UI
+   > Nov 8, 2024 • claude-mem
+   > Files: worker-service.ts
+```
+
+For complete formatting guidelines, see [formatting.md](formatting.md).
+
+## Partial Path Matching
+
+The file path parameter supports partial matching:
+
+```bash
+# These all match "src/services/worker-service.ts"
+curl -s "http://localhost:37777/api/search/by-file?filePath=worker-service.ts&format=index"
+curl -s "http://localhost:37777/api/search/by-file?filePath=services/worker&format=index"
+curl -s "http://localhost:37777/api/search/by-file?filePath=worker-service&format=index"
+```
+
+## Directory Searches
+
+Search for all work in a directory:
+
+```bash
+curl -s "http://localhost:37777/api/search/by-file?filePath=src/hooks/&format=index&limit=20"
+```
+
+## Error Handling
+
+**Missing filePath parameter:**
+```json
+{"error": "Missing required parameter: filePath"}
+```
+Fix: Add the filePath parameter
+
+**No results found:**
+```json
+{"filePath": "nonexistent.ts", "count": 0, "results": []}
+```
+Response: "No observations found for 'nonexistent.ts'. Try a partial path or check the spelling."
+
+## Tips
+
+1. Use format=index first to see overview of all changes
+2. Start with partial paths (e.g., filename only) for broader matches
+3. Use full paths when you need specific file matches
+4. Combine with dateRange to see recent changes: `?filePath=worker.ts&dateRange[start]=2024-11-01`
+5. Use directory searches to see all work in a module
+
+**Token Efficiency:**
+- Start with format=index (~50-100 tokens per result)
+- Use format=full only for relevant items (~500-1000 tokens per result)
+- See [../principles/progressive-disclosure.md](../principles/progressive-disclosure.md)

skills/mem-search/operations/by-type.md

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+# Search by Type
+
+Find observations by type: bugfix, feature, refactor, decision, discovery, or change.
+
+## When to Use
+
+- User asks: "What bugs did we fix?"
+- User asks: "What features did we add?"
+- User asks: "What decisions did we make?"
+- Looking for specific types of work
+
+## Command
+
+```bash
+curl -s "http://localhost:37777/api/search/by-type?type=bugfix&format=index&limit=5"
+```
+
+## Parameters
+
+- **type** (required): One or more types (comma-separated)
+  - `bugfix` - Bug fixes
+  - `feature` - New features
+  - `refactor` - Code refactoring
+  - `decision` - Architectural/design decisions
+  - `discovery` - Discoveries and insights
+  - `change` - General changes
+- **format**: "index" (summary) or "full" (complete details). Default: "full"
+- **limit**: Number of results (default: 20, max: 100)
+- **project**: Filter by project name (optional)
+- **dateRange**: Filter by date range (optional)
+
+## When to Use Each Format
+
+**Use format=index for:**
+- Quick overviews of work by type
+- Finding IDs for deeper investigation
+- Listing multiple results
+- **Token cost: ~50-100 per result**
+
+**Use format=full for:**
+- Complete details including narrative, facts, files, concepts
+- Understanding the full context of specific observations
+- **Token cost: ~500-1000 per result**
+
+## Example Response (format=index)
+
+```json
+{
+  "type": "bugfix",
+  "count": 5,
+  "format": "index",
+  "results": [
+    {
+      "id": 1235,
+      "type": "bugfix",
+      "title": "Fixed token expiration edge case",
+      "subtitle": "Handled race condition in refresh flow",
+      "created_at_epoch": 1699564800000,
+      "project": "api-server"
+    }
+  ]
+}
+```
+
+## How to Present Results
+
+For format=index, present as a compact list with type emojis:
+
+```markdown
+Found 5 bugfixes:
+
+🔴 **#1235** Fixed token expiration edge case
+   > Handled race condition in refresh flow
+   > Nov 9, 2024 • api-server
+
+🔴 **#1236** Resolved memory leak in worker
+   > Fixed event listener cleanup
+   > Nov 8, 2024 • worker-service
+```
+
+**Type Emojis:**
+- 🔴 bugfix
+- 🟣 feature
+- 🔄 refactor
+- 🔵 discovery
+- 🧠 decision
+- ✅ change
+
+For complete formatting guidelines, see [formatting.md](formatting.md).
+
+## Multiple Types
+
+To search for multiple types:
+
+```bash
+curl -s "http://localhost:37777/api/search/by-type?type=bugfix,feature&format=index&limit=10"
+```
+
+## Error Handling
+
+**Missing type parameter:**
+```json
+{"error": "Missing required parameter: type"}
+```
+Fix: Add the type parameter
+
+**Invalid type:**
+```json
+{"error": "Invalid type: foobar. Valid types: bugfix, feature, refactor, decision, discovery, change"}
+```
+Fix: Use one of the valid type values
+
+## Tips
+
+1. Use format=index first to see overview
+2. Start with limit=5-10 to avoid token overload
+3. Combine with dateRange for recent work: `?type=bugfix&dateRange[start]=2024-11-01`
+4. Use project filtering when working on one codebase
+
+**Token Efficiency:**
+- Start with format=index (~50-100 tokens per result)
+- Use format=full only for relevant items (~500-1000 tokens per result)
+- See [../principles/progressive-disclosure.md](../principles/progressive-disclosure.md)

skills/mem-search/operations/common-workflows.md

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+# Common Workflows
+
+Step-by-step guides for typical user requests using the search API.
+
+## Workflow 1: Understanding Past Work
+
+**User asks:** "What did we do last session?" or "Catch me up on recent work"
+
+**Steps:**
+
+1. **Get recent context** (fastest path):
+```bash
+curl -s "http://localhost:37777/api/context/recent?limit=3"
+```
+
+2. **Present as narrative:**
+```markdown
+## Recent Work
+
+### Session #545 - Nov 9, 2024
+Implemented JWT authentication system
+
+**Completed:**
+- Added token-based auth with refresh tokens
+- Created JWT signing and verification logic
+
+**Key Learning:** JWT expiration requires careful handling of refresh race conditions
+```
+
+**Why this workflow:**
+- Single request gets both sessions and observations
+- Optimized for "catch me up" questions
+- ~1,500-2,500 tokens for 3 sessions
+
+---
+
+## Workflow 2: Finding Specific Bug Fixes
+
+**User asks:** "What bugs did we fix?" or "Show me recent bug fixes"
+
+**Steps:**
+
+1. **Search by type** (index format first):
+```bash
+curl -s "http://localhost:37777/api/search/by-type?type=bugfix&format=index&limit=5"
+```
+
+2. **Review index results**, identify relevant items
+
+3. **Get full details** for specific bugs:
+```bash
+curl -s "http://localhost:37777/api/search/by-type?type=bugfix&format=full&limit=1&offset=2"
+```
+
+4. **Present findings:**
+```markdown
+Found 5 bug fixes:
+
+🔴 **#1235** Fixed token expiration edge case
+   > Handled race condition in refresh flow
+   > Nov 9, 2024 • api-server
+
+[Click for full details on #1235]
+```
+
+**Why this workflow:**
+- Progressive disclosure: index first, full details selectively
+- Type-specific search is more efficient than generic search
+- ~250-500 tokens for index, ~750-1000 per full detail
+
+---
+
+## Workflow 3: Understanding File History
+
+**User asks:** "What changes to auth/login.ts?" or "Show me work on this file"
+
+**Steps:**
+
+1. **Search by file** (index format):
+```bash
+curl -s "http://localhost:37777/api/search/by-file?filePath=auth/login.ts&format=index&limit=10"
+```
+
+2. **Review chronological changes**
+
+3. **Get full details** for specific changes:
+```bash
+curl -s "http://localhost:37777/api/search/by-file?filePath=auth/login.ts&format=full&limit=1&offset=3"
+```
+
+4. **Present as file timeline:**
+```markdown
+## History of auth/login.ts
+
+🟣 **#1230** Added JWT authentication (Nov 9)
+🔴 **#1235** Fixed token expiration bug (Nov 9)
+🔄 **#1240** Refactored auth flow (Nov 8)
+```
+
+**Why this workflow:**
+- File-specific search finds all related work
+- Index format shows chronological overview
+- Selective full details for deep dives
+
+---
+
+## Workflow 4: Timeline Investigation
+
+**User asks:** "What was happening when we deployed?" or "Show me context around that bug fix"
+
+**Steps:**
+
+1. **Find the event** using search:
+```bash
+curl -s "http://localhost:37777/api/search/observations?query=deployment&format=index&limit=5"
+```
+
+2. **Note observation ID** (e.g., #1234)
+
+3. **Get timeline context**:
+```bash
+curl -s "http://localhost:37777/api/timeline/context?anchor=1234&depth_before=10&depth_after=10"
+```
+
+4. **Present as chronological narrative:**
+```markdown
+## Timeline: Deployment
+
+### Before (10 records)
+**2:45 PM** - 🟣 Prepared deployment scripts
+**2:50 PM** - 💬 User asked: "Are we ready to deploy?"
+
+### ⭐ Anchor Point (2:55 PM)
+🎯 **Observation #1234**: Deployed to production
+
+### After (10 records)
+**3:00 PM** - 🔴 Fixed post-deployment routing issue
+```
+
+**Why this workflow:**
+- Timeline shows temporal context (what happened before/after)
+- Captures causality between events
+- All record types (observations, sessions, prompts) interleaved
+
+---
+
+## Workflow 5: Quick Timeline (One Request)
+
+**User asks:** "Timeline of authentication work"
+
+**Steps:**
+
+1. **Use timeline-by-query** (auto mode):
+```bash
+curl -s "http://localhost:37777/api/timeline/by-query?query=authentication&mode=auto&depth_before=10&depth_after=10"
+```
+
+2. **Present timeline directly:**
+```markdown
+## Timeline: Authentication
+
+**Best Match:** 🟣 Observation #1234 - Implemented JWT authentication
+
+### Context (21 records)
+[... timeline around best match ...]
+```
+
+**Why this workflow:**
+- Single request combines search + timeline
+- Fastest path when query is specific
+- Auto mode uses top result as anchor
+
+**Alternative:** Use interactive mode for broad queries:
+```bash
+curl -s "http://localhost:37777/api/timeline/by-query?query=auth&mode=interactive&limit=5"
+```
+Then choose anchor manually.
+
+---
+
+## Workflow 6: Search Composition
+
+**User asks:** "What features did we add to the authentication system recently?"
+
+**Steps:**
+
+1. **Combine filters** for precision:
+```bash
+curl -s "http://localhost:37777/api/search/observations?query=authentication&type=feature&dateRange[start]=2024-11-01&format=index&limit=10"
+```
+
+2. **Review filtered results**
+
+3. **Get full details** for relevant features:
+```bash
+curl -s "http://localhost:37777/api/search/observations?query=authentication&type=feature&format=full&limit=1&offset=2"
+```
+
+4. **Present findings:**
+```markdown
+Found 10 authentication features added in November:
+
+🟣 **#1234** Implemented JWT authentication (Nov 9)
+🟣 **#1236** Added refresh token rotation (Nov 9)
+🟣 **#1238** Implemented OAuth2 flow (Nov 7)
+```
+
+**Why this workflow:**
+- Multiple filters narrow results before requesting full details
+- Type + query + dateRange = precise targeting
+- Progressive disclosure: index first, full details selectively
+
+---
+
+## Workflow Selection Guide
+
+| User Request | Workflow | Operation | Token Cost |
+|--------------|----------|-----------|------------|
+| "What did we do last session?" | #1 | recent-context | 1,500-2,500 |
+| "What bugs did we fix?" | #2 | by-type | 500-3,000 |
+| "What changes to file.ts?" | #3 | by-file | 500-3,000 |
+| "What was happening then?" | #4 | search → timeline | 3,500-6,000 |
+| "Timeline of X work" | #5 | timeline-by-query | 3,000-4,000 |
+| "Recent features added?" | #6 | observations + filters | 500-3,000 |
+
+## General Principles
+
+1. **Start with index format** - Always use `format=index` first
+2. **Use specialized tools** - by-type, by-file, by-concept when applicable
+3. **Compose operations** - Combine search + timeline for investigations
+4. **Filter early** - Use type, dateRange, project to narrow before expanding
+5. **Progressive disclosure** - Load full details only for relevant items
+
+## Token Budget Awareness
+
+**Quick queries** (500-1,500 tokens):
+- Recent context (limit=3)
+- Index search (limit=5-10)
+- Filtered searches
+
+**Medium queries** (1,500-4,000 tokens):
+- Recent context (limit=5-10)
+- Full details (3-5 items)
+- Timeline (depth 10/10)
+
+**Deep queries** (4,000-8,000 tokens):
+- Timeline (depth 20/20)
+- Full details (10+ items)
+- Multiple composed operations
+
+Always start with minimal token investment, expand only when needed.

skills/mem-search/operations/formatting.md

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+# Response Formatting Guidelines
+
+How to present search results to users for maximum clarity and usefulness.
+
+## General Principles
+
+1. **Progressive disclosure** - Show index results first, full details on demand
+2. **Visual hierarchy** - Use emojis, bold, and structure for scannability
+3. **Context-aware** - Tailor presentation to user's question
+4. **Actionable** - Include IDs for follow-up queries
+5. **Token-efficient** - Balance detail with token budget
+
+---
+
+## Format: Index Results
+
+**When to use:** First response to searches, overviews, multiple results
+
+**Structure:**
+```markdown
+Found {count} results for "{query}":
+
+{emoji} **#{id}** {title}
+   > {subtitle}
+   > {date} • {project}
+```
+
+**Example:**
+```markdown
+Found 5 results for "authentication":
+
+🟣 **#1234** Implemented JWT authentication
+   > Added token-based auth with refresh tokens
+   > Nov 9, 2024 • api-server
+
+🔴 **#1235** Fixed token expiration edge case
+   > Handled race condition in refresh flow
+   > Nov 9, 2024 • api-server
+```
+
+**Type Emojis:**
+- 🔴 bugfix
+- 🟣 feature
+- 🔄 refactor
+- 🔵 discovery
+- 🧠 decision
+- ✅ change
+- 🎯 session
+- 💬 prompt
+
+**What to include:**
+- ✅ ID (for follow-up)
+- ✅ Type emoji
+- ✅ Title
+- ✅ Subtitle (if available)
+- ✅ Date (human-readable)
+- ✅ Project name
+- ❌ Don't include full narrative/facts/files in index format
+
+---
+
+## Format: Full Results
+
+**When to use:** User requests details, specific items selected from index
+
+**Structure:**
+```markdown
+## {emoji} {type} #{id}: {title}
+
+**Summary:** {subtitle}
+
+**What happened:**
+{narrative}
+
+**Key Facts:**
+- {fact1}
+- {fact2}
+
+**Files modified:**
+- {file1}
+- {file2}
+
+**Concepts:** {concepts}
+
+**Date:** {human_readable_date}
+**Project:** {project}
+```
+
+**Example:**
+```markdown
+## 🟣 Feature #1234: Implemented JWT authentication
+
+**Summary:** Added token-based auth with refresh tokens
+
+**What happened:**
+Implemented a complete JWT authentication system with access and refresh tokens. Access tokens expire after 15 minutes, refresh tokens after 7 days. Added token signing with RS256 algorithm and proper key rotation infrastructure.
+
+**Key Facts:**
+- Access tokens use 15-minute expiration
+- Refresh tokens stored in httpOnly cookies
+- RS256 algorithm with key rotation support
+- Token refresh endpoint handles race conditions gracefully
+
+**Files modified:**
+- src/auth/jwt.ts (created)
+- src/auth/refresh.ts (created)
+- src/middleware/auth.ts (modified)
+
+**Concepts:** how-it-works, pattern
+
+**Date:** November 9, 2024 at 2:55 PM
+**Project:** api-server
+```
+
+**What to include:**
+- ✅ Full title with emoji and ID
+- ✅ Summary/subtitle
+- ✅ Complete narrative
+- ✅ All key facts
+- ✅ All files (with status: created/modified/deleted)
+- ✅ Concepts/tags
+- ✅ Precise timestamp
+- ✅ Project name
+
+---
+
+## Format: Timeline Results
+
+**When to use:** Temporal investigations, "what was happening" questions
+
+**Structure:**
+```markdown
+## Timeline: {anchor_description}
+
+### Before ({count} records)
+
+**{time}** - {emoji} {type} #{id}: {title}
+**{time}** - {emoji} {type} #{id}: {title}
+
+### ⭐ Anchor Point ({time})
+{emoji} **{type} #{id}**: {title}
+
+### After ({count} records)
+
+**{time}** - {emoji} {type} #{id}: {title}
+**{time}** - {emoji} {type} #{id}: {title}
+```
+
+**Example:**
+```markdown
+## Timeline: Deployment
+
+### Before (10 records)
+
+**2:30 PM** - 🟣 #1230: Prepared deployment scripts
+**2:45 PM** - 🔄 #1232: Updated configuration files
+**2:50 PM** - 💬 User asked: "Are we ready to deploy?"
+
+### ⭐ Anchor Point (2:55 PM)
+🎯 **Session #545**: Deployed to production
+
+### After (10 records)
+
+**3:00 PM** - 🔴 #1235: Fixed post-deployment routing issue
+**3:10 PM** - 🔵 #1236: Discovered caching behavior in production
+**3:15 PM** - 🧠 #1237: Decided to add health check endpoint
+```
+
+**What to include:**
+- ✅ Chronological ordering (oldest to newest)
+- ✅ Human-readable times (not epochs)
+- ✅ Clear anchor point marker (⭐)
+- ✅ Mix of all record types (observations, sessions, prompts)
+- ✅ Concise titles (not full narratives)
+- ✅ Type emojis for quick scanning
+
+---
+
+## Format: Session Summaries
+
+**When to use:** Recent context, "what did we do" questions
+
+**Structure:**
+```markdown
+## Recent Work on {project}
+
+### 🎯 Session #{id} - {date}
+
+**Request:** {user_request}
+
+**Completed:**
+- {completion1}
+- {completion2}
+
+**Key Learning:** {learning}
+
+**Observations:**
+- {emoji} **#{obs_id}** {obs_title}
+  - Files: {file_list}
+```
+
+**Example:**
+```markdown
+## Recent Work on api-server
+
+### 🎯 Session #545 - November 9, 2024
+
+**Request:** Add JWT authentication with refresh tokens
+
+**Completed:**
+- Implemented token-based auth with refresh logic
+- Added JWT signing and verification
+- Created refresh token rotation
+
+**Key Learning:** JWT expiration requires careful handling of refresh race conditions
+
+**Observations:**
+- 🟣 **#1234** Implemented JWT authentication
+  - Files: jwt.ts, refresh.ts, middleware/auth.ts
+- 🔴 **#1235** Fixed token expiration edge case
+  - Files: refresh.ts
+```
+
+**What to include:**
+- ✅ Session ID and date
+- ✅ Original user request
+- ✅ What was completed (bulleted list)
+- ✅ Key learnings/insights
+- ✅ Linked observations with file lists
+- ✅ Clear hierarchy (session → observations)
+
+---
+
+## Format: User Prompts
+
+**When to use:** "What did I ask" questions, prompt searches
+
+**Structure:**
+```markdown
+Found {count} user prompts:
+
+💬 **Prompt #{id}** (Session #{session_id})
+   > "{preview_text}"
+   > {date} • {project}
+```
+
+**Example:**
+```markdown
+Found 5 user prompts about "authentication":
+
+💬 **Prompt #1250** (Session #545)
+   > "How do I implement JWT authentication with refresh tokens? I need to handle token expiration..."
+   > Nov 9, 2024 • api-server
+
+💬 **Prompt #1251** (Session #546)
+   > "The auth tokens are expiring too quickly. Can you help debug the refresh flow?"
+   > Nov 8, 2024 • api-server
+```
+
+**What to include:**
+- ✅ Prompt ID
+- ✅ Session ID (for context linking)
+- ✅ Preview text (200 chars for index, full text for full format)
+- ✅ Date and project
+- ✅ Quote formatting for prompt text
+
+---
+
+## Error Responses
+
+**No results found:**
+```markdown
+No results found for "{query}". Try:
+- Different search terms
+- Broader keywords
+- Checking spelling
+- Using partial paths (for file searches)
+```
+
+**Service unavailable:**
+```markdown
+The search service isn't available. Check if the worker is running:
+
+```bash
+pm2 list
+```
+
+If the worker is stopped, restart it:
+
+```bash
+npm run worker:restart
+```
+```
+
+**Invalid parameters:**
+```markdown
+Invalid search parameters:
+- {parameter}: {error_message}
+
+See the [API help](help.md) for valid parameter options.
+```
+
+---
+
+## Context-Aware Presentation
+
+Tailor formatting to user's question:
+
+**"What bugs did we fix?"**
+→ Use index format, emphasize date/type, group by recency
+
+**"How did we implement X?"**
+→ Use full format for best match, include complete narrative and files
+
+**"What was happening when..."**
+→ Use timeline format, emphasize chronology and causality
+
+**"Catch me up on recent work"**
+→ Use session summary format, focus on high-level accomplishments
+
+---
+
+## Token Budget Guidelines
+
+**Minimal presentation (~100-200 tokens):**
+- Index format with 3-5 results
+- Compact list structure
+- Essential metadata only
+
+**Standard presentation (~500-1,000 tokens):**
+- Index format with 10-15 results
+- Include subtitles and context
+- Clear formatting and emojis
+
+**Detailed presentation (~1,500-3,000 tokens):**
+- Full format for 2-3 items
+- Complete narratives and facts
+- Timeline with 20-30 records
+
+**Comprehensive presentation (~5,000+ tokens):**
+- Multiple full results
+- Deep timelines (40+ records)
+- Session summaries with observations
+
+Always start minimal, expand only when needed.
+
+---
+
+## Markdown Best Practices
+
+1. **Use headers (##, ###)** for hierarchy
+2. **Bold important elements** (IDs, titles, dates)
+3. **Quote user text** (prompts, questions)
+4. **Bullet lists** for facts and files
+5. **Code blocks** for commands and examples
+6. **Emojis** for type indicators
+7. **Horizontal rules (---)** for section breaks
+8. **Blockquotes (>)** for subtitles and previews
+
+---
+
+## Examples by Use Case
+
+### Use Case 1: Quick Overview
+User: "What did we do last session?"
+
+```markdown
+## Recent Work
+
+### 🎯 Session #545 - November 9, 2024
+Implemented JWT authentication system
+
+**Key accomplishment:** Added token-based auth with refresh tokens
+**Key learning:** JWT expiration requires careful handling of refresh race conditions
+```
+
+### Use Case 2: Specific Investigation
+User: "How did we implement JWT authentication?"
+
+```markdown
+## 🟣 Feature #1234: Implemented JWT authentication
+
+**What happened:**
+Implemented a complete JWT authentication system with access and refresh tokens. Access tokens expire after 15 minutes, refresh tokens after 7 days. Added token signing with RS256 algorithm.
+
+**Files:**
+- src/auth/jwt.ts (created)
+- src/auth/refresh.ts (created)
+- src/middleware/auth.ts (modified)
+
+**Key insight:** Refresh race conditions require atomic token exchange logic.
+```
+
+### Use Case 3: Timeline Investigation
+User: "What was happening around the deployment?"
+
+```markdown
+## Timeline: Deployment
+
+[... chronological timeline with before/after context ...]
+```
+
+Choose presentation style based on user's question and information needs.

skills/mem-search/operations/help.md

@@ -0,0 +1,175 @@
+# API Help
+
+Get comprehensive API documentation for all search endpoints.
+
+## When to Use
+
+- User asks: "What search operations are available?"
+- User asks: "How do I use the search API?"
+- Need reference documentation for endpoints
+- Want to see all available parameters
+
+## Command
+
+```bash
+curl -s "http://localhost:37777/api/help"
+```
+
+## Response Structure
+
+Returns complete API documentation:
+
+```json
+{
+  "version": "5.4.0",
+  "base_url": "http://localhost:37777/api",
+  "endpoints": [
+    {
+      "path": "/search/observations",
+      "method": "GET",
+      "description": "Search observations using full-text search",
+      "parameters": [
+        {
+          "name": "query",
+          "required": true,
+          "type": "string",
+          "description": "Search terms"
+        },
+        {
+          "name": "format",
+          "required": false,
+          "type": "string",
+          "default": "full",
+          "options": ["index", "full"],
+          "description": "Response format"
+        }
+      ],
+      "example": "curl -s \"http://localhost:37777/api/search/observations?query=authentication&format=index&limit=5\""
+    }
+  ]
+}
+```
+
+## How to Present Results
+
+Present as reference documentation:
+
+```markdown
+## claude-mem Search API Reference (v5.4.0)
+
+Base URL: `http://localhost:37777/api`
+
+### Search Operations
+
+**1. Search Observations**
+- **Endpoint:** `GET /search/observations`
+- **Description:** Search observations using full-text search
+- **Parameters:**
+  - `query` (required, string): Search terms
+  - `format` (optional, string): "index" or "full" (default: "full")
+  - `limit` (optional, number): Max results (default: 20, max: 100)
+- **Example:**
+  ```bash
+  curl -s "http://localhost:37777/api/search/observations?query=authentication&format=index&limit=5"
+  ```
+
+[... continue for all endpoints ...]
+```
+
+## Endpoint Categories
+
+The API help response organizes endpoints by category:
+
+1. **Full-Text Search**
+   - `/search/observations`
+   - `/search/sessions`
+   - `/search/prompts`
+
+2. **Filtered Search**
+   - `/search/by-type`
+   - `/search/by-concept`
+   - `/search/by-file`
+
+3. **Context Retrieval**
+   - `/context/recent`
+   - `/timeline/context`
+   - `/timeline/by-query`
+
+4. **Utilities**
+   - `/help`
+
+## Common Parameters
+
+Many endpoints share these parameters:
+
+- **format**: "index" (summary) or "full" (complete details)
+- **limit**: Number of results to return
+- **offset**: Number of results to skip (for pagination)
+- **project**: Filter by project name
+- **dateRange**: Filter by date range
+  - `dateRange[start]`: Start date (ISO string or epoch)
+  - `dateRange[end]`: End date (ISO string or epoch)
+
+## Error Handling
+
+**Worker not running:**
+Connection refused error. Response: "The search API isn't available. Check if worker is running: `pm2 list`"
+
+**Invalid endpoint:**
+```json
+{"error": "Not found"}
+```
+Response: "Invalid API endpoint. Use /api/help to see available endpoints."
+
+## Tips
+
+1. Save help response for reference during investigation
+2. Use examples as starting point for your queries
+3. Check required parameters before making requests
+4. Refer to format options for each endpoint
+5. All endpoints use GET method with query parameters
+
+**Token Efficiency:**
+- Help response: ~2,000-3,000 tokens (complete API reference)
+- Use sparingly - refer to operation-specific docs instead
+- Keep help response cached for repeated reference
+
+## When to Use Help
+
+**Use help when:**
+- Starting to use the search API
+- Need complete parameter reference
+- Forgot which endpoints are available
+- Want to see all options at once
+
+**Don't use help when:**
+- You know which operation you need (use operation-specific docs)
+- Just need examples (use common-workflows.md)
+- Token budget is limited (help is comprehensive)
+
+## Alternative to Help Endpoint
+
+Instead of calling `/api/help`, you can:
+
+1. **Use SKILL.md** - Quick decision guide with operation links
+2. **Use operation docs** - Detailed guides for specific endpoints
+3. **Use common-workflows.md** - Step-by-step examples
+4. **Use formatting.md** - Response presentation templates
+
+The help endpoint is most useful when you need complete API reference in one response.
+
+## API Versioning
+
+The help response includes version information:
+
+```json
+{
+  "version": "5.4.0",
+  "skill_migration": true,
+  "deprecated": {
+    "mcp_tools": "Replaced by HTTP API in v5.4.0"
+  }
+}
+```
+
+Check version to ensure compatibility with documentation.

skills/mem-search/operations/observations.md

@@ -0,0 +1,124 @@
+# Search Observations (Semantic + Full-Text Hybrid)
+
+Search all observations using natural language queries.
+
+## When to Use
+
+- User asks: "How did we implement authentication?"
+- User asks: "What bugs did we fix?"
+- User asks: "What features did we add?"
+- Looking for past work by keyword or topic
+
+## Command
+
+```bash
+curl -s "http://localhost:37777/api/search/observations?query=authentication&format=index&limit=5"
+```
+
+## Parameters
+
+- **query** (optional): Natural language search query - uses semantic search (ChromaDB) for ranking with SQLite FTS5 fallback (e.g., "authentication", "bug fix", "database migration"). Can be omitted for filter-only searches.
+- **format**: "index" (summary) or "full" (complete details). Default: "full"
+- **limit**: Number of results (default: 20, max: 100)
+- **project**: Filter by project name (optional)
+- **dateRange**: Filter by date range (optional) - `dateRange[start]` and/or `dateRange[end]`
+- **obs_type**: Filter by observation type: bugfix, feature, refactor, decision, discovery, change (optional)
+- **concepts**: Filter by concept tags (optional)
+- **files**: Filter by file paths (optional)
+
+**Important**: When omitting `query`, you MUST provide at least one filter (project, dateRange, obs_type, concepts, or files)
+
+## When to Use Each Format
+
+**Use format=index for:**
+- Quick overviews
+- Finding IDs for deeper investigation
+- Listing multiple results
+- **Token cost: ~50-100 per result**
+
+**Use format=full for:**
+- Complete details including narrative, facts, files, concepts
+- Understanding the full context of specific observations
+- **Token cost: ~500-1000 per result**
+
+## Example Response (format=index)
+
+```json
+{
+  "query": "authentication",
+  "count": 5,
+  "format": "index",
+  "results": [
+    {
+      "id": 1234,
+      "type": "feature",
+      "title": "Implemented JWT authentication",
+      "subtitle": "Added token-based auth with refresh tokens",
+      "created_at_epoch": 1699564800000,
+      "project": "api-server",
+      "score": 0.95
+    }
+  ]
+}
+```
+
+## How to Present Results
+
+For format=index, present as a compact list:
+
+```markdown
+Found 5 results for "authentication":
+
+1. **#1234** [feature] Implemented JWT authentication
+   > Added token-based auth with refresh tokens
+   > Nov 9, 2024 • api-server
+
+2. **#1235** [bugfix] Fixed token expiration edge case
+   > Handled race condition in refresh flow
+   > Nov 9, 2024 • api-server
+```
+
+**Include:** ID (for follow-up), type emoji (🔴 bugfix, 🟣 feature, 🔄 refactor, 🔵 discovery, 🧠 decision, ✅ change), title, subtitle, date, project.
+
+For complete formatting guidelines, see formatting.md (documentation coming soon).
+
+## Filter-Only Examples
+
+Search without query text (direct SQLite filtering):
+
+```bash
+# Get all observations from November 2025
+curl -s "http://localhost:37777/api/search?type=observations&dateRange[start]=2025-11-01&format=index"
+
+# Get all bug fixes from a specific project
+curl -s "http://localhost:37777/api/search?type=observations&obs_type=bugfix&project=api-server&format=index"
+
+# Get all observations from last 7 days
+curl -s "http://localhost:37777/api/search?type=observations&dateRange[start]=2025-11-11&format=index"
+```
+
+## Error Handling
+
+**Missing query and filters:**
+```json
+{"error": "Either query or filters required for search"}
+```
+Fix: Provide either a query parameter OR at least one filter (project, dateRange, obs_type, concepts, files)
+
+**No results found:**
+```json
+{"query": "foobar", "count": 0, "results": []}
+```
+Response: "No results found for 'foobar'. Try different search terms."
+
+## Tips
+
+1. Be specific: "authentication JWT" > "auth"
+2. Start with format=index and limit=5-10
+3. Use project filtering when working on one codebase
+4. If no results, try broader terms or check spelling
+
+**Token Efficiency:**
+- Start with format=index (~50-100 tokens per result)
+- Use format=full only for relevant items (~500-1000 tokens per result)
+- See [../principles/progressive-disclosure.md](../principles/progressive-disclosure.md)

skills/mem-search/operations/prompts.md

@@ -0,0 +1,125 @@
+# Search User Prompts (Full-Text)
+
+Search raw user prompts to find what was actually asked across all sessions.
+
+## When to Use
+
+- User asks: "What did I ask about authentication?"
+- User asks: "Find my question about database migrations"
+- User asks: "When did I ask about testing?"
+- Looking for specific user questions or requests
+
+## Command
+
+```bash
+curl -s "http://localhost:37777/api/search/prompts?query=authentication&format=index&limit=5"
+```
+
+## Parameters
+
+- **query** (required): Search terms (e.g., "authentication", "how do I", "bug fix")
+- **format**: "index" (truncated prompts) or "full" (complete prompt text). Default: "full"
+- **limit**: Number of results (default: 20, max: 100)
+- **project**: Filter by project name (optional)
+- **dateRange**: Filter by date range (optional)
+
+## When to Use Each Format
+
+**Use format=index for:**
+- Quick overviews of what was asked
+- Finding prompt IDs for full text
+- Listing multiple prompts
+- **Token cost: ~50-100 per result (truncated to 200 chars)**
+
+**Use format=full for:**
+- Complete prompt text
+- Understanding the full user request
+- **Token cost: Variable (depends on prompt length, typically 100-300 tokens)**
+
+## Example Response (format=index)
+
+```json
+{
+  "query": "authentication",
+  "count": 5,
+  "format": "index",
+  "results": [
+    {
+      "id": 1250,
+      "session_id": "S545",
+      "prompt_preview": "How do I implement JWT authentication with refresh tokens? I need to handle token expiration...",
+      "created_at_epoch": 1699564800000,
+      "project": "api-server"
+    }
+  ]
+}
+```
+
+## How to Present Results
+
+For format=index, present as a compact list:
+
+```markdown
+Found 5 user prompts about "authentication":
+
+💬 **Prompt #1250** (Session #545)
+   > "How do I implement JWT authentication with refresh tokens? I need to handle token expiration..."
+   > Nov 9, 2024 • api-server
+
+💬 **Prompt #1251** (Session #546)
+   > "The auth tokens are expiring too quickly. Can you help debug the refresh flow?"
+   > Nov 8, 2024 • api-server
+```
+
+For complete formatting guidelines, see [formatting.md](formatting.md).
+
+## What Gets Searched
+
+User prompts search covers:
+- All user messages sent to Claude Code
+- Raw text as typed by the user
+- Multi-turn conversations (each message is a separate prompt)
+- Questions, requests, commands, and clarifications
+
+## Error Handling
+
+**Missing query parameter:**
+```json
+{"error": "Missing required parameter: query"}
+```
+Fix: Add the query parameter
+
+**No results found:**
+```json
+{"query": "foobar", "count": 0, "results": []}
+```
+Response: "No user prompts found for 'foobar'. Try different search terms."
+
+## Tips
+
+1. Use exact phrases in quotes: `?query="how do I"` for precise matches
+2. Start with format=index to see preview, then get full text if needed
+3. Use dateRange to find recent questions: `?query=bug&dateRange[start]=2024-11-01`
+4. Prompts show what was asked, sessions/observations show what was done
+5. Combine with session search to see both question and answer
+
+**Token Efficiency:**
+- Start with format=index (~50-100 tokens per result, prompt truncated to 200 chars)
+- Use format=full only for relevant items (100-300 tokens per result)
+- See [../principles/progressive-disclosure.md](../principles/progressive-disclosure.md)
+
+## When to Use Prompts vs Sessions
+
+**Use prompts search when:**
+- Looking for specific user questions
+- Trying to remember what was asked
+- Finding original request wording
+
+**Use sessions search when:**
+- Looking for what was accomplished
+- Understanding work summaries
+- Getting high-level context
+
+**Combine both when:**
+- Understanding the full conversation (what was asked + what was done)
+- Investigating how a request was interpreted

skills/mem-search/operations/recent-context.md

@@ -0,0 +1,134 @@
+# Get Recent Context
+
+Get recent session summaries and observations for a project.
+
+## When to Use
+
+- User asks: "What did we do last session?"
+- User asks: "What have we been working on recently?"
+- User asks: "Catch me up on recent work"
+- Starting a new session and need context
+
+## Command
+
+```bash
+curl -s "http://localhost:37777/api/context/recent?project=api-server&limit=3"
+```
+
+## Parameters
+
+- **project**: Project name (defaults to current working directory basename)
+- **limit**: Number of recent sessions to retrieve (default: 3, max: 10)
+
+## Response Structure
+
+Returns combined context from recent sessions:
+
+```json
+{
+  "project": "api-server",
+  "limit": 3,
+  "sessions": [
+    {
+      "id": 545,
+      "session_id": "S545",
+      "title": "Implemented JWT authentication system",
+      "request": "Add JWT authentication with refresh tokens",
+      "completion": "Implemented token-based auth with refresh logic",
+      "learnings": "JWT expiration requires careful handling of refresh race conditions",
+      "created_at_epoch": 1699564800000,
+      "observations": [
+        {
+          "id": 1234,
+          "type": "feature",
+          "title": "Implemented JWT authentication",
+          "subtitle": "Added token-based auth with refresh tokens",
+          "files": ["src/auth/jwt.ts", "src/auth/refresh.ts"]
+        }
+      ]
+    }
+  ]
+}
+```
+
+## How to Present Results
+
+Present as a chronological narrative:
+
+```markdown
+## Recent Work on api-server
+
+### Session #545 - Nov 9, 2024
+**Request:** Add JWT authentication with refresh tokens
+
+**Completed:**
+- Implemented token-based auth with refresh logic
+- Added JWT signing and verification
+- Created refresh token rotation
+
+**Key Learning:** JWT expiration requires careful handling of refresh race conditions
+
+**Observations:**
+- 🟣 **#1234** Implemented JWT authentication
+  - Files: jwt.ts, refresh.ts
+```
+
+For complete formatting guidelines, see [formatting.md](formatting.md).
+
+## Default Project Detection
+
+If no project parameter is provided, uses current working directory:
+
+```bash
+# Auto-detects project from current directory
+curl -s "http://localhost:37777/api/context/recent?limit=3"
+```
+
+## Error Handling
+
+**No sessions found:**
+```json
+{"project": "new-project", "sessions": []}
+```
+Response: "No recent sessions found for 'new-project'. This might be a new project."
+
+**Worker not running:**
+Connection refused error. Inform user to check if worker is running: `pm2 list`
+
+## Tips
+
+1. Start with limit=3 for quick overview (default)
+2. Increase to limit=5-10 for deeper context
+3. Recent context is perfect for session start
+4. Combines both sessions and observations in one request
+5. Use this when user asks "what did we do last time?"
+
+**Token Efficiency:**
+- limit=3 sessions: ~1,500-2,500 tokens (includes observations)
+- limit=5 sessions: ~2,500-4,000 tokens
+- limit=10 sessions: ~5,000-8,000 tokens
+- See [../principles/progressive-disclosure.md](../principles/progressive-disclosure.md)
+
+## When to Use Recent Context
+
+**Use recent-context when:**
+- Starting a new session
+- User asks about recent work
+- Need quick catch-up on project activity
+- Want both sessions and observations together
+
+**Don't use recent-context when:**
+- Looking for specific topics (use search instead)
+- Need timeline around specific event (use timeline instead)
+- Want only observations or only sessions (use search operations)
+
+## Comparison with Other Operations
+
+| Operation | Use Case | Token Cost |
+|-----------|----------|------------|
+| recent-context | Quick catch-up on recent work | 1,500-4,000 |
+| sessions search | Find sessions by topic | 50-100 per result (index) |
+| observations search | Find specific implementations | 50-100 per result (index) |
+| timeline | Context around specific point | 3,000-6,000 |
+
+Recent context is optimized for "what happened recently?" questions with minimal token usage.

skills/mem-search/operations/sessions.md

@@ -0,0 +1,124 @@
+# Search Sessions (Full-Text)
+
+Search session summaries using natural language queries.
+
+## When to Use
+
+- User asks: "What did we work on last week?"
+- User asks: "What sessions involved database work?"
+- User asks: "Show me sessions where we fixed bugs"
+- Looking for past sessions by topic or theme
+
+## Command
+
+```bash
+curl -s "http://localhost:37777/api/search/sessions?query=authentication&format=index&limit=5"
+```
+
+## Parameters
+
+- **query** (required): Search terms (e.g., "authentication", "database migration", "bug fixes")
+- **format**: "index" (summary) or "full" (complete details). Default: "full"
+- **limit**: Number of results (default: 20, max: 100)
+- **project**: Filter by project name (optional)
+- **dateRange**: Filter by date range (optional)
+
+## When to Use Each Format
+
+**Use format=index for:**
+- Quick overviews of past sessions
+- Finding session IDs for deeper investigation
+- Listing multiple sessions
+- **Token cost: ~50-100 per result**
+
+**Use format=full for:**
+- Complete session summaries with requests, completions, learnings
+- Understanding the full context of a session
+- **Token cost: ~500-1000 per result**
+
+## Example Response (format=index)
+
+```json
+{
+  "query": "authentication",
+  "count": 3,
+  "format": "index",
+  "results": [
+    {
+      "id": 545,
+      "session_id": "S545",
+      "title": "Implemented JWT authentication system",
+      "subtitle": "Added token-based auth with refresh tokens",
+      "created_at_epoch": 1699564800000,
+      "project": "api-server"
+    }
+  ]
+}
+```
+
+## How to Present Results
+
+For format=index, present as a compact list:
+
+```markdown
+Found 3 sessions about "authentication":
+
+🎯 **Session #545** Implemented JWT authentication system
+   > Added token-based auth with refresh tokens
+   > Nov 9, 2024 • api-server
+
+🎯 **Session #546** Fixed authentication token expiration
+   > Resolved race condition in token refresh flow
+   > Nov 8, 2024 • api-server
+```
+
+For complete formatting guidelines, see [formatting.md](formatting.md).
+
+## Session Summary Structure
+
+Full session summaries include:
+
+- **Session request**: What the user asked for
+- **What was completed**: Summary of work done
+- **Key learnings**: Important insights and discoveries
+- **Files modified**: List of changed files
+- **Observations**: Links to detailed observations
+
+## Error Handling
+
+**Missing query parameter:**
+```json
+{"error": "Missing required parameter: query"}
+```
+Fix: Add the query parameter
+
+**No results found:**
+```json
+{"query": "foobar", "count": 0, "results": []}
+```
+Response: "No sessions found for 'foobar'. Try different search terms."
+
+## Tips
+
+1. Be specific: "JWT authentication implementation" > "auth"
+2. Start with format=index and limit=5-10
+3. Use dateRange for recent sessions: `?query=auth&dateRange[start]=2024-11-01`
+4. Sessions provide high-level overview, observations provide details
+5. Use project filtering when working on one codebase
+
+**Token Efficiency:**
+- Start with format=index (~50-100 tokens per result)
+- Use format=full only for relevant items (~500-1000 tokens per result)
+- See [../principles/progressive-disclosure.md](../principles/progressive-disclosure.md)
+
+## When to Use Sessions vs Observations
+
+**Use sessions search when:**
+- Looking for high-level work summaries
+- Understanding what was done in past sessions
+- Getting overview of recent activity
+
+**Use observations search when:**
+- Looking for specific implementation details
+- Finding bugs, features, or decisions
+- Need fine-grained context about code changes

skills/mem-search/operations/timeline-by-query.md

@@ -0,0 +1,192 @@
+# Timeline by Query
+
+Search for observations and get timeline context in a single request. Combines search + timeline into one operation.
+
+## When to Use
+
+- User asks: "What was happening when we worked on authentication?"
+- User asks: "Show me context around bug fixes"
+- User asks: "Timeline of database work"
+- Need to find something then see temporal context
+
+## Command
+
+```bash
+# Auto mode: Uses top search result as timeline anchor
+curl -s "http://localhost:37777/api/timeline/by-query?query=authentication&mode=auto&depth_before=10&depth_after=10"
+
+# Interactive mode: Shows top N search results for manual selection
+curl -s "http://localhost:37777/api/timeline/by-query?query=authentication&mode=interactive&limit=5"
+```
+
+## Parameters
+
+- **query** (required): Search terms (e.g., "authentication", "bug fix", "database")
+- **mode**: Search mode
+  - `auto` (default): Automatically uses top search result as timeline anchor
+  - `interactive`: Returns top N search results for manual anchor selection
+- **depth_before**: Records before anchor (default: 10, max: 50) - for auto mode
+- **depth_after**: Records after anchor (default: 10, max: 50) - for auto mode
+- **limit**: Number of search results (default: 5, max: 20) - for interactive mode
+- **project**: Filter by project name (optional)
+
+## Auto Mode (Recommended)
+
+Automatically gets timeline around best match:
+
+```bash
+curl -s "http://localhost:37777/api/timeline/by-query?query=JWT+authentication&mode=auto&depth_before=10&depth_after=10"
+```
+
+**Response:**
+```json
+{
+  "query": "JWT authentication",
+  "mode": "auto",
+  "best_match": {
+    "id": 1234,
+    "type": "feature",
+    "title": "Implemented JWT authentication",
+    "score": 0.95
+  },
+  "timeline": [
+    // ... timeline records around observation #1234
+  ]
+}
+```
+
+**When to use auto mode:**
+- You're confident the top result is what you want
+- Want fastest path to timeline context
+- Query is specific enough for accurate top result
+
+## Interactive Mode
+
+Shows top search results for manual review:
+
+```bash
+curl -s "http://localhost:37777/api/timeline/by-query?query=authentication&mode=interactive&limit=5"
+```
+
+**Response:**
+```json
+{
+  "query": "authentication",
+  "mode": "interactive",
+  "top_matches": [
+    {
+      "id": 1234,
+      "type": "feature",
+      "title": "Implemented JWT authentication",
+      "subtitle": "Added token-based auth with refresh tokens",
+      "score": 0.95
+    },
+    {
+      "id": 1240,
+      "type": "bugfix",
+      "title": "Fixed authentication token expiration",
+      "subtitle": "Resolved race condition in refresh flow",
+      "score": 0.87
+    }
+  ],
+  "next_step": "Use /api/timeline/context?anchor=<id>&depth_before=10&depth_after=10"
+}
+```
+
+**When to use interactive mode:**
+- Query is broad and may have multiple relevant results
+- Want to review options before getting timeline
+- Not sure which result is most relevant
+
+## How to Present Results
+
+**For auto mode:**
+
+```markdown
+## Timeline: JWT authentication
+
+**Best Match:** 🟣 Observation #1234 - Implemented JWT authentication (score: 0.95)
+
+### Before (10 records)
+**2:45 PM** - 🟣 Added authentication middleware
+
+### ⭐ Anchor Point (2:55 PM)
+🟣 **Observation #1234**: Implemented JWT authentication
+
+### After (10 records)
+**3:00 PM** - 🎯 Session completed: JWT authentication system
+```
+
+**For interactive mode:**
+
+```markdown
+Found 5 matches for "authentication":
+
+1. 🟣 **#1234** Implemented JWT authentication (score: 0.95)
+   > Added token-based auth with refresh tokens
+
+2. 🔴 **#1240** Fixed authentication token expiration (score: 0.87)
+   > Resolved race condition in refresh flow
+
+To see timeline context, use observation ID with timeline operation.
+```
+
+For complete formatting guidelines, see [formatting.md](formatting.md).
+
+## Error Handling
+
+**Missing query parameter:**
+```json
+{"error": "Missing required parameter: query"}
+```
+Fix: Add the query parameter
+
+**No results found:**
+```json
+{"query": "foobar", "top_matches": []}
+```
+Response: "No results found for 'foobar'. Try different search terms."
+
+## Tips
+
+1. **Use auto mode** for specific queries: "JWT authentication implementation"
+2. **Use interactive mode** for broad queries: "authentication"
+3. Start with depth 10/10 for balanced context
+4. Be specific in queries for better auto mode accuracy
+5. This is fastest way to find + explore context in one request
+
+**Token Efficiency:**
+- Auto mode: ~3,000-4,000 tokens (search + timeline)
+- Interactive mode: ~500-1,000 tokens (search results only)
+- See [../principles/progressive-disclosure.md](../principles/progressive-disclosure.md)
+
+## Workflow Comparison
+
+**timeline-by-query (auto):**
+1. One request → get timeline around best match
+2. ~3,000 tokens
+
+**timeline-by-query (interactive) → timeline:**
+1. First request → see top matches (~500 tokens)
+2. Second request → get timeline for chosen match (~3,000 tokens)
+3. Total: ~3,500 tokens
+
+**observations search → timeline:**
+1. Search observations (~500 tokens)
+2. Get timeline for chosen result (~3,000 tokens)
+3. Total: ~3,500 tokens
+
+Use auto mode when you're confident about the query. Use interactive mode or separate search when you want more control.
+
+## When to Use Timeline-by-Query
+
+**Use timeline-by-query when:**
+- Need to find something AND see temporal context
+- Want one-request convenience (auto mode)
+- Investigating "what was happening when we worked on X?"
+- Don't have observation ID already
+
+**Don't use timeline-by-query when:**
+- Already have observation ID (use timeline instead)
+- Just need search results (use observations search)
+- Need recent work overview (use recent-context)

skills/mem-search/operations/timeline.md

@@ -0,0 +1,174 @@
+# Get Context Timeline
+
+Get a chronological timeline of observations, sessions, and prompts around a specific point in time.
+
+## When to Use
+
+- User asks: "What was happening when we deployed?"
+- User asks: "Show me context around that bug fix"
+- User asks: "What happened before and after that change?"
+- Need temporal context around an event
+
+## Command
+
+```bash
+# Using observation ID as anchor
+curl -s "http://localhost:37777/api/timeline/context?anchor=1234&depth_before=10&depth_after=10"
+
+# Using session ID as anchor
+curl -s "http://localhost:37777/api/timeline/context?anchor=S545&depth_before=10&depth_after=10"
+
+# Using ISO timestamp as anchor
+curl -s "http://localhost:37777/api/timeline/context?anchor=2024-11-09T12:00:00Z&depth_before=10&depth_after=10"
+```
+
+## Parameters
+
+- **anchor** (required): Point in time to center timeline
+  - Observation ID: `1234`
+  - Session ID: `S545`
+  - ISO timestamp: `2024-11-09T12:00:00Z`
+- **depth_before**: Number of records before anchor (default: 10, max: 50)
+- **depth_after**: Number of records after anchor (default: 10, max: 50)
+- **project**: Filter by project name (optional)
+
+## Response Structure
+
+Returns unified chronological timeline:
+
+```json
+{
+  "anchor": 1234,
+  "depth_before": 10,
+  "depth_after": 10,
+  "total_records": 21,
+  "timeline": [
+    {
+      "record_type": "observation",
+      "id": 1230,
+      "type": "feature",
+      "title": "Added authentication middleware",
+      "created_at_epoch": 1699564700000
+    },
+    {
+      "record_type": "prompt",
+      "id": 1250,
+      "session_id": "S545",
+      "prompt_preview": "How do I add JWT authentication?",
+      "created_at_epoch": 1699564750000
+    },
+    {
+      "record_type": "observation",
+      "id": 1234,
+      "type": "feature",
+      "title": "Implemented JWT authentication",
+      "created_at_epoch": 1699564800000,
+      "is_anchor": true
+    },
+    {
+      "record_type": "session",
+      "id": 545,
+      "session_id": "S545",
+      "title": "Implemented JWT authentication system",
+      "created_at_epoch": 1699564900000
+    }
+  ]
+}
+```
+
+## How to Present Results
+
+Present as chronological narrative with anchor highlighted:
+
+```markdown
+## Timeline around Observation #1234
+
+### Before (10 records)
+
+**2:45 PM** - 🟣 Observation #1230: Added authentication middleware
+
+**2:50 PM** - 💬 User asked: "How do I add JWT authentication?"
+
+### ⭐ Anchor Point (2:55 PM)
+🟣 **Observation #1234**: Implemented JWT authentication
+
+### After (10 records)
+
+**3:00 PM** - 🎯 Session #545 completed: Implemented JWT authentication system
+
+**3:05 PM** - 🔴 Observation #1235: Fixed token expiration edge case
+```
+
+For complete formatting guidelines, see [formatting.md](formatting.md).
+
+## Anchor Types
+
+**Observation ID:**
+- Use when you know the specific observation ID
+- Example: `anchor=1234`
+
+**Session ID:**
+- Use when you want context around a session
+- Example: `anchor=S545`
+
+**ISO Timestamp:**
+- Use when you know approximate time
+- Example: `anchor=2024-11-09T14:30:00Z`
+
+## Error Handling
+
+**Missing anchor parameter:**
+```json
+{"error": "Missing required parameter: anchor"}
+```
+Fix: Add the anchor parameter
+
+**Anchor not found:**
+```json
+{"error": "Anchor not found: 9999"}
+```
+Response: "Observation #9999 not found. Check the ID or try a different anchor."
+
+**Invalid timestamp:**
+```json
+{"error": "Invalid timestamp format"}
+```
+Fix: Use ISO 8601 format: `2024-11-09T14:30:00Z`
+
+## Tips
+
+1. Start with depth_before=10, depth_after=10 for balanced context
+2. Increase depth for broader investigation (max: 50 each)
+3. Use observation IDs from search results as anchors
+4. Timelines show all record types interleaved chronologically
+5. Perfect for understanding "what was happening when X occurred"
+
+**Token Efficiency:**
+- depth 10/10: ~3,000-4,000 tokens (21 records)
+- depth 20/20: ~6,000-8,000 tokens (41 records)
+- depth 50/50: ~15,000-20,000 tokens (101 records)
+- See [../principles/progressive-disclosure.md](../principles/progressive-disclosure.md)
+
+## When to Use Timeline
+
+**Use timeline when:**
+- Need context around specific event
+- Understanding sequence of events
+- Investigating "what was happening then?"
+- Want all record types (observations, sessions, prompts) together
+
+**Don't use timeline when:**
+- Just need recent work (use recent-context)
+- Looking for specific topics (use search)
+- Don't have an anchor point (use timeline-by-query)
+
+## Comparison with Timeline-by-Query
+
+| Feature | timeline | timeline-by-query |
+|---------|----------|-------------------|
+| Requires anchor | Yes (ID or timestamp) | No (uses search query) |
+| Best for | Known event investigation | Finding then exploring context |
+| Steps | 1 (direct timeline) | 2 (search + timeline) |
+| Use when | You have observation ID | You have search term |
+
+Timeline is faster when you already know the anchor point.