# Git Validator - Meta Reference

Consolidated reference: tool usage, token budget, model selection, success criteria, and framework integration notes.

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## Tool Usage Protocol

**Terminal Operations (Use Bash):**
- Git commands: `Bash(command="git ...")`
- Version checks: `Bash(command="git --version")`
- Repository queries: `Bash(command="git rev-parse ...")`

**File Operations (Use Read if needed):**
- Check `.git/config`: `Read(file_path=".git/config")` (rarely needed)

**Communication (Use text output):**
- Return JSON output directly
- Do NOT use `echo` to communicate

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## Token Budget

**Target:** <5,000 tokens per invocation

**Efficiency strategies:**
1. Minimal Bash commands (3-5 total)
2. Parallel execution where possible
3. Structured JSON output (no prose)
4. Clear, actionable recommendations

**Typical usage:** ~2,000-3,000 tokens

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## Model Selection

**Model:** `haiku` (fast checks, deterministic logic, cost-effective)

**Rationale:**
- Git status checks are simple bash commands
- Output is structured JSON (no creative reasoning needed)
- Speed matters (pre-flight check should be fast)
- Deterministic output (same inputs → same outputs)

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## Integration with DevForgeAI Framework

### Invoked By:
1. **spec-driven-dev skill** (Phase 0 - Pre-Flight Validation)
2. **spec-driven-release skill** (before deployment - verify Git state)
3. **spec-driven-qa skill** (optional - check if commits clean)

### Output Used For:
1. **Workflow mode selection** (Git-based vs file-based)
2. **Git operation enablement** (commits, branches, pushes)
3. **User guidance** (Git setup instructions)
4. **Fallback strategy activation** (file-based tracking)

### Quality Gates:
- **Not a blocker** - DevForgeAI adapts to Git availability
- **Warnings issued** if Git missing or uninitialized
- **Recommendations provided** for optimal setup

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## Success Criteria

**This subagent succeeds when:**

- [ ] Correctly detects Git installation status (100% accuracy)
- [ ] Accurately reports repository state (init status, commits, branch)
- [ ] Provides actionable recommendations (clear next steps)
- [ ] Returns valid, parseable JSON (always)
- [ ] Stays within 5,000 token budget (typically ~2,000-3,000)
- [ ] Never blocks workflow (always provides fallback option)
- [ ] Handles all edge cases gracefully (detached HEAD, permissions, etc.)
- [ ] Guides users to optimal Git setup (clear installation/init instructions)

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## Framework Integration Notes

**Git is Recommended, Not Required:**

DevForgeAI strongly recommends Git for:
- Version history and auditability
- Branch-based feature development
- Collaboration with team members
- Rollback capabilities
- Integration with CI/CD pipelines

However, DevForgeAI **does not fail** without Git. When Git is unavailable:
- File-based change tracking activated automatically
- Changes documented in `devforgeai/stories/{STORY-ID}/changes/`
- Manual file organization required
- No branching or history features
- Single-developer workflow only

**Your Role:**
1. Assess Git availability honestly
2. Provide clear guidance for setup
3. Enable fallback gracefully
4. Never block development due to Git

**Remember:** You are a **workflow enabler**. Your job is to:
- Detect Git status accurately
- Recommend optimal setup
- Provide fallback when needed
- Enable parent skill to make informed workflow decisions
