# Session Start Checklist

`README.md` is the front door.

After reading `README.md`, use this checklist to start work.

## Required

1. Review `OPEN_THREADS.md`
2. Review `Codex/README.md`
3. Identify the owning repo for the task:
   - `Codex/API/*`
   - `Codex/Portal/*`
   - `Codex/Agent/*`
4. Review the relevant repo’s:
   - `CURRENT_STATE.md`
   - `OPEN_ITEMS.md`
   - `DECISIONS.md`
5. Review `CONSTRAINTS.md`

## Read If Relevant

6. Review `PROJECT_CONTEXT.md` if current platform state or routing model matters
7. Review `INFRASTRUCTURE.md` if VM, IP, host, or PBS context matters
8. Review `UPSTREAMS.md` if other repos or external dependencies matter

## Deep Recovery Only

Use these only if the live working set is not enough:
- `SESSION_LOG/`
- `Session_Summaries/`
- `SCRATCH/`

## Final Check Before Working

- Confirm whether the task is repo-owned or cross-repo/platform-owned
- Keep repo-specific work in the relevant `Codex/*` folder
- Keep root `OPEN_THREADS.md` limited to active cross-repo/platform work
- Remove completed items from `OPEN_ITEMS.md` instead of leaving them behind
- Move durable implemented behavior into `CURRENT_STATE.md`
- Move settled choices into `DECISIONS.md`
- Never assume speculative features are implemented
- Confirm upload transport is using raw piping where applicable