# Phase 00: Initialization

## Reference Loading [MANDATORY]

```
# No required references for this phase file. Phase 00 is defined inline
# in SKILL.md (Steps 0.1-0.8); any reference loading happens there as
# part of the bootstrap before the Phase Orchestration Loop begins.
# This file is a placeholder for naming-convention consistency.
```

---

Phase 00 is defined **inline** in SKILL.md (Steps 0.1-0.8).

This file exists as a placeholder for consistency with the phase file naming convention. The initialization phase runs inline because it creates the state that all other phases depend on.

**See:** `SKILL.md` > "Phase 00: Initialization [INLINE - Bootstraps State]"

---

## Why Inline?

Phase 00 must execute before the Phase Orchestration Loop begins. It:
1. Parses arguments to determine mode (new, resume, search, list)
2. Handles search/list mode early exits (no Phase 01-06 needed)
3. Generates the RESEARCH-ID used by all subsequent phases
4. Creates the checkpoint JSON that gates all phase transitions
5. Initializes CLI state tracking

Loading a separate file for this phase would add unnecessary indirection before the orchestration loop is established.
