cc-os/plugins/cc-architect/references/defer-work/workflow.md

Defer Work Pattern

Captures work-in-progress to a file so users can resume in a fresh session without losing context.

When to Use

• After critique/trade-off checks surface issues requiring decisions
• When context window is getting full
• When work is too complex to complete in current session
• When user explicitly requests deferral

Core Principle

Always write the file. Don't wait for the user to say "defer." After any critique or trade-off check, write the defer file immediately. This gives the user options:

1. Leave - Context is captured. Start fresh session anytime.
2. Continue - Work from the defer file as the task tracker.

Either way, the file exists and nothing is lost.

Workflow

1. Write the Defer File

Location: .claude/deferred/YYYY-MM-DD-<topic>.md

Use the template in template.md. Include:

• What we were doing and why
• Findings from critique/check
• Open questions requiring decisions
• Concrete tasks to complete the work

2. Inform the User

After writing the file, tell the user:

Checkpoint saved to .claude/deferred/YYYY-MM-DD-<topic>.md

You can:
- Clear context now and resume later with "pick up <topic>"
- Continue here - I'll work from the checkpoint file

What would you like to do?

3. If Continuing

When the user chooses to continue (or in a resumed session):

Use subagents for efficiency. Dispatch Task tool agents to:

• Read the defer file for context
• Execute individual tasks
• Mark tasks complete in the file

This keeps the main thread focused on coordination, not implementation. The defer file becomes the shared source of truth between main thread and subagents.

4. Cleanup

When all tasks are complete:

• Verify the work meets original intent
• Delete the defer file
• Inform the user the deferred work is complete

File Naming

Format: YYYY-MM-DD-<topic>.md

Examples:

• 2026-01-20-skill-brainstorming.md
• 2026-01-20-plugin-audit-findings.md
• 2026-01-20-agent-design-tradeoffs.md

Keep <topic> short but descriptive. It's used for resumption: "pick up ".

Resumption

Users can resume with natural language:

• "pick up skill brainstorming"
• "continue the plugin audit"
• "what deferred work do I have?"

On resumption:

1. Read the defer file
2. Summarize current state
3. Ask which task to tackle first (or recommend one)
4. Use subagents to execute tasks