Continuous Learning System

Overview

A system that automatically extracts reusable patterns from Claude Code sessions and saves them as learned skills. Version 1 uses a Stop hook for end-of-session analysis. Version 2 introduces an "instinct" architecture with real-time observation via hooks, confidence scoring, evolution, and cross-user sharing.

------|-------------| | error_resolution | How specific errors were resolved | | user_corrections | Patterns from user corrections | | workarounds | Framework/library quirks and solutions | | debugging_techniques | Effective debugging approaches | | project_specific | Project-specific conventions |

Hook Setup

{
  "hooks": {
    "Stop": [{
      "matcher": "*",
      "hooks": [{
        "type": "command",
        "command": "~/.claude/skills/continuous-learning/evaluate-session.sh"
      }]
    }]
  }
}

Why Stop hook? Lightweight (runs once), non-blocking (no per-message latency), and has access to full session context.

Part 2: v2 — Instinct-Based Architecture

v1 vs v2 Comparison

The Instinct Model

An instinct is a small, atomic learned behavior:

---
id: prefer-functional-style
trigger: "when writing new functions"
confidence: 0.7
domain: "code-style"
source: "session-observation"
---

Properties: Atomic (one trigger, one action), confidence-weighted, domain-tagged, evidence-backed.

Architecture Flow

Session Activity
  -> Hooks capture prompts + tool use (100% reliable)
  -> observations.jsonl
  -> Observer agent (background, Haiku) detects patterns
  -> Creates/updates instincts in instincts/personal/
  -> /evolve clusters related instincts into skills/commands/agents

Quick Start

1. Enable observation hooks in ~/.claude/settings.json
2. Initialize directories: mkdir -p ~/.claude/homunculus/{instincts/{personal,inherited},evolved/{agents,skills,commands}}
3. Use instinct commands: /instinct-status, /evolve, /instinct-export, /instinct-import

Confidence Scoring

Increases: Repeated observation, user doesn't correct, similar instincts agree. Decreases: User corrects, pattern not observed, contradicting evidence.

Why Hooks Over Skills for Observation?

Skills fire ~50-80% of the time based on Claude's judgment. Hooks fire 100% deterministically — every tool call is observed, no patterns missed.

Part 3: Commands

/learn — Extract Patterns Mid-Session

Run when you've solved a non-trivial problem. Extracts error resolution patterns, debugging techniques, workarounds, and project-specific conventions. Saves to ~/.claude/skills/learned/.

/learn-eval — Extract with Quality Gate

Extends /learn with a 5-dimension quality rubric (Specificity, Actionability, Scope Fit, Non-redundancy, Coverage) scored 1-5. All dimensions must be >= 3 before saving. Also determines save location: Global vs Project.

/instinct-status — View Learned Instincts

Shows all instincts grouped by domain with confidence bars and source tracking.

/instinct-export — Share Instincts

Exports instincts to YAML format. Includes trigger patterns, actions, confidence scores. Excludes actual code, file paths, and personal identifiers.

/instinct-import — Import Instincts

Imports from teammates, Skill Creator, or community. Handles duplicates (higher confidence wins), conflicts (skip by default), and source tracking.

/evolve — Cluster Instincts into Higher Structures

Requires 3+ related instincts to form a cluster (configurable).

Part 4: Observer Agent

Background agent (Haiku model) analyzing observations to detect patterns:

1. User corrections — "No, use X instead of Y" -> instinct
2. Error resolutions — Error followed by fix -> instinct
3. Repeated workflows — Same tool sequence used multiple times -> workflow instinct
4. Tool preferences — Consistent tool choices -> instinct

Guidelines: Be conservative (3+ observations), be specific (narrow triggers), track evidence, respect privacy (patterns only, no code), merge similar instincts.

File Structure

~/.claude/homunculus/
├── identity.json
├── observations.jsonl
├── instincts/
│   ├── personal/
│   └── inherited/
└── evolved/
    ├── agents/
    ├── skills/
    └── commands/

Instinct-based learning: teaching Claude your patterns, one observation at a time.