chain-patterns

# Chain Patterns ## Overview Foundation patterns for CC 2.1.71 pipeline skills. This skill is loaded via the `skills:` frontmatter field — it provides patterns that parent skills follow. ## Pattern 1: MCP Detection (ToolSearch Probe) Run BEFORE any MCP tool call. Probes are parallel and instant. ```python # FIRST thing in any pipeline skill — all in ONE message: ToolSearch(query="select:mcp__memory__search_nodes") ToolSearch(query="select:mcp__context7__resolve-library-id") ToolSearch(query="select:mcp__sequential-thinking__sequentialthinking") # Store results for all phases: Write(".claude/chain/capabilities.json", JSON.stringify({ "memory": true_or_false, "context7": true_or_false, "sequential": true_or_false, "timestamp": "ISO-8601" })) ``` **Usage in phases:** ```python # BEFORE any mcp__memory__ call: if capabilities.memory: mcp__memory__search_nodes(query="...") # else: skip gracefully, no error ``` Load details: `Read("${CLAUDE_SKILL_DIR}/references/mcp-detection.md")` ## Pattern 2: Handoff Files Write structured JSON after every major phase. Survives context compaction and rate limits. ```python Write(".claude/chain/NN-phase-name.json", JSON.stringify({ "phase": "rca", "skill": "fix-issue", "timestamp": "ISO-8601", "status": "completed", "outputs": { ... }, # phase-specific results "mcps_used": ["memory"], "next_phase": 5 })) ``` **Location:** `.claude/chain/` — numbered files for ordering, descriptive names for clarity....