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Generated files

m8shift.py init writes the core relay files at the project root. Other ledgers are created on demand by the command that owns them. Generated files use the M8SHIFT.* names.

🟣 init · 🩷 relay file · 🟠 generated files

FilePurpose
M8SHIFT.mdliving lock, workflow state, and the immutable turn journal
M8SHIFT.protocol.mdthe shared protocol core (hard 2000-proxy-token budget), generated from m8shift.py
M8SHIFT.protocol-reference.mdthe full command reference and adoption details, read on demand
M8SHIFT.agent-pack.mdfirst-read discipline pack: claim-before-write, no-parking, prompt-security, stale-lock, delivery-complete, raw-proof, and shared-checkout rules; repaired by init --force-generated
M8SHIFT.archive.mdolder turns moved here by archive (created on demand)
M8SHIFT.memory.mdshared-memory notes appended by remember (created on demand)
M8SHIFT.tasks.mdappend-only task events appended by task (created on demand)
M8SHIFT.sessions.jsonlsession start/done events for history (created on demand)
.m8shift.locktemporary inter-process mutation lock (O_EXCL)
.m8shift/kit.jsonmerged companion-install manifest written by init --companions / --with-* / --full; checked read-only by doctor
.m8shift/hooks/commit-msgGit hook template written by init; stamps the Coordinated-With / Agent-Model provenance trailers
.m8shift/decisions.jsondecision-traceability target override persisted by decisions target --set (created on demand)
.m8shift/runtime/advisory runtime sidecars: presence, runs, progress, inbox, idempotency, approvals, diagnostics, and retention archive
.m8shift/runs/optional runtime reports and immutable run artifacts
CLAUDE.mdClaude anchor (protocol stanza injected at the top)
AGENTS.mdCodex and generic-agent anchor; AGENTS.override.md is synced if present
GEMINI.mdGemini anchor, when gemini is in the roster

Idempotent anchors

The anchor stanza is idempotent: the prior file is backed up to <anchor>.m8shift.bak before injection.

On-demand ledgers

init does not create the memory, task, archive, or session files unless the relevant commands need them. Their absence means "no entries yet", not an error.

Runtime sidecars are not the core relay

Files under .m8shift/ are local companion state. They never grant the pen and may be removed without corrupting M8SHIFT.md.

Built with ❤️ and M8Shift · Accessibility · r/m8shift