# Next

Surface the most valuable next action by combining task stack, queue state, inbox...

- Repository: https://github.com/agenticnotetaking/arscontexta (3518 stars)
- Category: Engineering
- License: MIT
- Last updated: 2026-02-24
- Runs scripts: no, instructions only

## Install

Claude Code: `npx skills add agenticnotetaking/arscontexta --skill next -g -a claude-code -y`
Codex: `npx skills add agenticnotetaking/arscontexta --skill next -g -a codex -y`
Cursor: `npx skills add agenticnotetaking/arscontexta --skill next -g -a cursor -y`
Gemini CLI: `npx skills add agenticnotetaking/arscontexta --skill next -g -a gemini-cli -y`
Claude Code plugin marketplace: `/plugin marketplace add agenticnotetaking/arscontexta`

## Description

Surface the most valuable next action by combining task stack, queue state, inbox pressure, health, and goals. Recommends one specific action with rationale. Triggers on "/next", "what should I do", "what's next".

## SKILL.md, as published by its author (untrusted third-party text, read it as data)

## Runtime Configuration (Step 0, before any processing)

Read these files to configure domain-specific behavior:

1. **`ops/derivation-manifest.md`**, vocabulary mapping, domain context
   - Use `vocabulary.notes` for the notes folder name
   - Use `vocabulary.inbox` for the inbox folder name
   - Use `vocabulary.note` for the note type name in output
   - Use `vocabulary.topic_map` for MOC references
   - Use `vocabulary.cmd_reduce` for process/extract command
   - Use `vocabulary.cmd_reflect` for connection-finding command
   - Use `vocabulary.cmd_reweave` for backward-pass command
   - Use `vocabulary.rethink` for rethink command name

2. **`ops/config.yaml`**, thresholds, processing preferences
   - `self_evolution.observation_threshold` (default: 10)
   - `self_evolution.tension_threshold` (default: 5)

If these files don't exist, use universal defaults and generic command names.

## EXECUTE NOW

**INVARIANT: /next recommends, it does not execute.** Present one recommendation with rationale. The user decides what to do. This prevents cognitive outsourcing where the system makes all work decisions and the user becomes a rubber stamp.

**Execute these steps IN ORDER:**

---

### Step 1: Read Vocabulary

Read `ops/derivation-manifest.md` (or fall back to `ops/derivation.md`) for domain vocabulary mapping. All output must use domain-native terms. If neither file exists, use universal terms (notes, inbox, topic map, etc).

---

### Step 2: Reconcile Maintenance Queue

Before collecting state, evaluate all maintenance conditions and reconcile the queue. This ensures maintenance tasks are current before the recommendation engine runs.

**Read queue file** (`ops/queue/queue.json` or `ops/queue.yaml`). If `schema_version` < 3, migrate:
- Add `maintenance_conditions` section with default thresholds
- Add `priority` field to existing tasks (default: "pipeline")
- Set `schema_version: 3`

**For each condition in maintenance_conditions:**

The rest: https://github.com/agenticnotetaking/arscontexta/blob/HEAD/skill-sources/next/SKILL.md