Extract Patterns
Overview
Wraps ECC's continuous-learning-v2 system to extract and save useful patterns from development sessions.
Auto-invoked by: finishing-a-development-branch skill Can be invoked: Manually anytime to save learning Purpose: Build institutional knowledge over time
Announce at start: "I'm using the extract-patterns skill to learn from this session."
The Process
Step 1: Invoke Pattern Extraction
Use /ecc:learn command to extract patterns:
/ecc:learn
This analyzes the current session for:
- •Successful problem-solving approaches
- •Useful code patterns
- •Effective debugging strategies
- •Language/framework insights
- •Common mistake avoidance
Step 2: Review Extracted Patterns
The learning system will show patterns with confidence scores.
Review criteria:
- •Is the pattern actually useful?
- •Is the confidence score appropriate?
- •Would this help in future sessions?
Step 3: Save to Instinct System
Patterns are automatically saved to the instinct system.
View saved patterns:
/ecc:instinct-status
Step 4: Optional - Evolve into Skills
For mature patterns (high confidence, multiple uses):
/ecc:evolve
This clusters related patterns into reusable skills.
Integration with Workflow
Auto-Invoked:
finishing-a-development-branch: 1. Verify tests pass 2. Sync documentation 3. Extract patterns (THIS SKILL) ← Auto-invoked 4. Generate changelist 5. Present options
Manual Invocation:
Any time during development: - "Can you extract patterns from what we just did?" - Skill invoked - Patterns saved for future
Opt-Out
To disable auto-invocation in finishing workflow:
See: docs/integration/OPT-OUT.md
Exporting/Importing Patterns
Export patterns to file:
/ecc:instinct-export
Import patterns from file:
/ecc:instinct-import
Useful for:
- •Sharing patterns across teams
- •Backing up learned knowledge
- •Transferring patterns between projects
Quick Reference
| Command | Purpose |
|---|---|
/ecc:learn | Extract patterns from session |
/ecc:instinct-status | View saved patterns |
/ecc:instinct-export | Export to file |
/ecc:instinct-import | Import from file |
/ecc:evolve | Cluster patterns into skills |
Remember
- •Patterns accumulate over time
- •Higher confidence = more proven
- •Export periodically for backup
- •Share successful patterns with team
Remember: This builds institutional knowledge. The more you use it, the smarter the system becomes.